(JULY 7) WBAN Rookie of the Year 2005, 18 year old Susianna Kentikian has already fulfilled her first goal for 2006. It has nothing to do with boxing, but, nevertheless, very important to her. A happy Kentikian told WBAN, that she is has passed her final exams from the Berufsfachhochscchule in der Uferstrasse, Hamburg.

It goes without saying, that this has been hard work for Kentikian, considering she has had catch up from extensive absence from school in connection with the 11 times she has fought since she turned pro in January 2005, not to mention that fact, that the tests was carried out in German, which is not the mother tongue of Susianna, who is Armenian. Congratulations on this great achievement.

Kentikian now looks forward to concentrate 100% on her boxing career. 2005 was a very busy year for her, with no less that 9 bouts, but 2006 – for various reasons - has been begun much slower with only 2 fights until now. She had to undergo surgery in February, to remedy problems with her right elbow, which put her out of action for a couple of months, and preparations for her school leaving exams has forced her to put boxing on the back-burner for a while. Finally, German pro boxing has come to complete standstill during the Soccer world cup.

So Kentikian is now very eager to get back into the ring, and not just against any opponent. She has expressed a very strong wish to be matched against more experienced opposition to develop her boxing, and bring her in position for title fights. Her two fights in 2006 were both on SES cards and televised live by DSF.

This has really increased the number of Kentikian followers in Germany. Most fight fans who get the opportunity to experience this rising star in action, simply have to give in to her skills in the ring and her charm outside it.

The undisputed Boxing Queen of Germany, Regina Halmich has been the inspiration of Susianna Kentikian. Halmich has played an invaluable role in making women’s boxing popular and respected in Germany. Her boxing skills, dedication and personality have won over millions of fans, and convinced a great number of skeptics, Klaus-Peter Kohl, founder of Universum Box Promotions, included.

Halmich has stated on several occasion, that her retirement is not too far away. Naturally, this raises the question: What will happen to women’s boxing in Germany after Halmich? I don’t think there is too much need for concern. There are already a number of title holders, like Alesia Graf, Natalia Ragosina, Ina Menzer and Julia Sahin to carry the torch, and I would not be surprised at all, if Susianna Kentikian turns out to be the Jewel in the Crown. Besides the obvious boxing ability, her fighting spirit and showmanship in the ring, makes her fights very attractive to watch.

She has yet to make her debut on the ZDF channel, where Halmich’s fights are shown, but I predict it is only a matter of time, before she will become the showcase for women’s boxing on ZDF.

It has to be said, that she has been matched very cautious by her management so far. Hopefully she will soon be able to show her potential against better class opponents. The first step in that direction will be taken on 25th July at a Spotlight card in Sportschule Sachsenwald near Hamburg, where she will be fighting for the International German Flyweight title against an opponent yet to be named.

Kentikian is presently attending a 3 week training camp with her trainer Magomed Schaburow and fellow boxers from the Spotlight/Universum team. Here she is preparing herself for the upcoming title fight.