(AUG 30) Susi Kentikian had to dig deep to retain her WBA and WIBF Flyweight titles against a very determined and top fit Hagar Shmoulefeld Finer of Israel last night in Düsseldorf. It was obvious, that Kentikian had problems coping with the unorthodox and aggressive boxing style of Shmoulefeld Finer.

Kentikian usually goes forward and controls the action in her fights, but the experienced Israelite simply didn't allow her to do that. She kept Kentikian busy in the early rounds, and her good defence prevented champion to do much damage with her fast combination. Kentikian had difficulties finding the range, especially in the first half of the fight, and probably gave 2 - 3 of the first 5 rounds away to the challenger.

The second half of the fight saw Kentikian standing her ground and seeking infight, instead of going backwards and counter box Shmoulefeld Finer. This eliminated the reach advantage of the taller Shmoulefeld, and Kentikians combinations began to work. The champion got through with some telling punches, but they hardly showed any effect on the game Shmoulefeld. The last 3 rounds were toe to toe, and although both fighters showed signs of fatigue, it looked as if the larger number of telling punches from the champion, had taken its toll on the Israely fighting machine. The judges scored the fight 97-93, 98-92 and 99-91, all in favor of Kentikian. Credit to both boxers for producing a fast and action packed fight, even though the awkward, but efficient style of Hagar Shmoulefeld, did make it look messy at times.

Another women's title fight saw Rebekka Hermann (10-1-0) do battle with Anastasia Toktaulova (12-9-0) for the vacant GBU Flyweight title. This ended in a MD, with the scores, 97-93, 97-94 and 95-95, for the Russian Toktaulova.