Damiani Wins on KO, Keeps Title

Francesco Damiani of Italy retained his European heavyweight title with a third-round knockout of John Emmers of the Netherlands Friday night at Milan, Italy.

Damiani (21-0) made the first defense of the title he won from Sweden’s Anders Ecklund last October. Emmers (11-1) was outweighed, 227 1/2 to 202.

Damiani’s manager, Umberto Branchini, is trying to schedule a fight with heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. “Our next stop is New York,” Branchini said. “The Tyson camp wants a December fight, and we’re keen to get our chance.”

Tyson is scheduled to fight Michael Spinks June 27 at Atlantic City, N.J.