Press meddelande från Markus Lammi, Lammi Boxing Management
It is fight week for Kevin Melhus!
Unbeaten Norwegian cruiserweight boxer Kevin Melhus (13-0, 8 KO) will face also undefeated Nigerian born, but UK based Franklin Arinze (9-0, 7 KO) for vacant IBF Europe Cruiserweight title.
35 years old Melhus is former WBO Inter-Continental titlist, who won that belt back in November 2023 in Finland against Samuli Kärkkäinen via split decision. Melhus defended the belt once in Norway in April 2024 and was #5 in WBO cruiserweight rankings at his best.
Now Melhus will fight for IBF Europe title, which was earlier hold by Italian boxer Claudio Squeo, who will next challenge Jai Opetaia for IBF World title.
Melhus´ opponent is muscular and very physical 33 years old Franklin Arinze who currently lives in Sunderland, United Kingdom. Arinze fought his 8 first fights in native Nigeria, but in February he won in Finland Samuli Kärkkäinen via majority decision over 8 rounds. Another notable victory he has over once great Gbenga “Bang Bang” Oloukun.
Fight between Melhus and Arinze is scheduled for 10 rounds and it will be exceptional match for a IBF title belt between two undefeated fighters.
-I’m feeling sharp and focused heading into this fight. The preparation has been intense —both physically and mentally. I’ve tightened up my technique, pushed my conditioning harder than ever, and dialed in on the strategy with my team.
This fight means a lot to me. I’m coming in stronger, smarter, and hungrier. I respect my opponent, but I’m ready to make a statement. Expect fireworks, promises Kevin Melhus!
Fight will be available in Norway with VG+ Sport -order:
https://tv.vg.no/video/332951/vienna-boxing-championship-kevin-melhus-vs-franklin-arinze
In other countries it will be available as PPV:
https://streamster.tv/events/vienna-boxing-championship-18/