Jere Karalahti and Mika Ilmen to box in Helsinki

Former ice hockey player Jere Karalahti and former boxer Mika ‘Immu’ Ilmen are scheduled to face each other in a boxing match on September 12 at the Helsinki Ice Hall. The event is part of the Immu Fight Night series and will be broadcast live on the Ruutu streaming service.

The matchup follows a period of public tension, with Karalahti having previously challenged Ilmen on social media. Karalahti has indicated that the bout is personal for him. The event card has seen some changes, with several fighters withdrawing, though Ilmen hinted that a successful European or World Championship medalist will be added to the lineup.

Reports indicate that Karalahti, who faces approximately 60,000 euros in debt, has previously intended to use fight prize money to settle drug-related debts. Karalahti was recently sentenced to a conditional prison sentence for a serious narcotics offense, a ruling that is currently pending appeal in the court of appeal.