Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing and his long-time promotional partner, Sergio Martinez of Maravillabox Promotions, congratulate the welterweight contender they co-promote, Ceferino “Ferino V” Rodriguez, for today’s (December 2) hard-fought EBU (European) welterweight title-winning victory over France’s Ahmed El Mousaoui.

After a scintillating back-and-forth war, Rodriguez (24-1, 12 KOs), also the former WBC Latino Welterweight champion, won a split decision over the determined El Mousaoui (now 24-3-1, 6 KOs) at the Las Palmas in Islas Canarias, Spain.

The victory sets up a potential showdown with former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi for Rodriguez’s newly won European championship on American soil.

“I am happy to have won such a rough fight,” said Rodriguez. “Now I want to make history with a fight between a Spaniard and an Italian on American soil. Bring me Paulie Malignaggi.”

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz says he hopes Malignaggi sees the historical implications of fighting for a Euro title on US soil.

“Paulie is a smart man as a fighter and commentator. I invite him to try and further his incredible career by going for this championship, which I know is important to his people back in Italy. Forget Connor McGregor and let’s make this world war happen.”

Lewkowicz says he’s very happy for his fighter’s success and for the ongoing relationship with Martinez, whom he also worked with when he was an active fighter and superstar in boxing.

“Sergio and I have enjoyed a long and successful time in boxing and I look forward to making even more boxing history, as we guide the career of Ceferino Rodriguez together, hopefully into a globally important fight against Paulie Malignaggi,” he said.