ANDREAS KOTELNIK DETHRONES GAVIN REES
By Scott Shaffer

2000 Olympian claims another title for Eastern Europe

Andreas Kotelnik TKO12 Gavin Rees... The reight of one of the weakest world titlists came to an end as barely-tested Gavin Rees coughed up the WBA 140-pound title to Andreas Kotelnik in his first title defense. A 2000 Olympic silver medalist for The Ukraine, Kotelnik started slowly but took over in the third as Rees' nose began to bleed. The end came via technical knockout with about half a minute left in a bout that Kotelnik would have won by decision. Now 29-2-1, Kotelnik's resume shows a loss to Junior Witter and a draw and controversial loss in two bouts against Souleymane M'Baye, both of whom claimed world title belts.  While Kotelnik fought plenty of tough fights as a pro, Rees was basically in only the second tough fight of his 28-1 career. He fought mostly no-hopers but surprised M'Baye to take the WBA title previously vacated by Ricky Hatton.  source: bbc