Former European heavyweight champion Erkan Teper (16-0, 10 KOs) defeated Derric Rossy (30-12, 14 KOs) on Sunday night by easy 10 round unanimous points decision (98-92, 97-93 and 96-94) at the Gellersenhalle in Lüneburg, Germany.
The controversial 34-year-old pugilist looked heavier since his last fight against David Price in 2015, but his speed and explosive punching power was still there and was enough to see off his American challenger.
Temper was handed a two years suspension for failing a drugs test in July 2015 after he beat Price for vacant EBU (European) heavyweight title. However, due to the fact that the suspension only applied to EBU sanctioned bouts, he was allowed to fight Rossy by the German Boxing Commission (BOB).
The early return to ring by the undefeated fighter has been highly controversial and heavily criticized by all quarters including Price’s trainer, Dave Coldwell.
Coldwell said: “It’s an absolute joke. I haven’t spoken to David about it and it is what it is. We’re just focused on Price’s career but we’re fuming that there’s no punishment. This BDB organization has just proven what its worth. They’re not worth two bob. You’re not talking about him buying a minor product off the shelf that was recently banned. The test was one of the most potent failures they’ve ever had. They’ve just let him get away with it and he’s back in business. It’s just wrong and I hope he doesn’t get any pay day opportunities because he certainly doesn’t deserve it.”
The 6’5” Teper is now 34, and can box few more years at his peak if he stays away from using banned substances. Temper is still regarded one of the top heavyweight boxers and his size and explosive style of boxing can land his big fights in the future.
