ANKARA - Turkish boxer Sinan Samil Sam, also known as the "Bull from Bosphorus" in the boxing world, received the championship belt that made him the new European heavyweight champion in Ankara on Tuesday.
On July 4th, Sam fighted against Italian boxer Paolo Vidoz in a 12-round-battle in the Turkish capital for the European heavyweight championship title.
Upon the fight's ending in a controversial draw, Sam applied to the European Boxing Union (EBU). EBU officials assessed Sam's objection and decided that he should be given the title.
Sam received his belt 18 days after the championship game, at a ceremony held at the Ankara branch of the Association of Turkish Sports Writers (TSYD).
Turkey's Youth & Sports Director General Mehmet Atalay and EBU President Bob F. Logist presented the championship belt to Sam.
Delivering a speech during the ceremony, Atalay said Sinan's championship made Turkey proud.
"We were very upset with the decision of the referees. Fortunately, Sam got what he deserved. I congratulate him," Atalay said.
Logist said that the referee of the championship game made a big mistake, however, after long discussions, officials decided to present the belt to Sam.
Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish boxer Sam said that he wished he had been given the belt right after the game.
(DO-MS)
(SPO)