Belgian, with roots in Ghana, welter Jackson Osei Bonsu won the vacant EBU title with an eighth round ko of Frenchman Nordine Mouchi last night in Yvelines after what ringsiders describe as an intense, dramatic fight that saw both men on the floor. Mouchi used his speed to build up an early lead in the fight but Bonsu, a very hard puncher, floored him in the sixth. Mouchi however got up and knocked down the Belgian. Mouchi now made the mistake of trading with the puncher and got knocked out in the eighth.

The new champion is now 24-1 with 21 early endings. Previous stoppage wins over highly regarded Russian Mikhail Krivolapov and Maxim Nesterenko indicates the new champ is for real. Mouchi, a quarterfinalist in the 96 Olympics, dipped to 29-4. He´s never, despite some good results, really been able to make the transition to the pros.