Date:  July 13, 2013

WBO Sup. Middleweight Championship

Location:  Dresden, Sachsen, Germany

Promoter: Sport Events Steinforth

Supervisor:   Francisco Valcarcel

Referee:   Celestino Ruiz

Judges:     Alejandro Lopez Cid (100-89), Terry O’Connor (99-90), Ingo Barrabas (99-90)

Results:   Robert Stieglitz retained Sup. Middleweight Title by unanimous technical decision. After he battered Yuzo Kiyota for 10 rounds, a cut caused the referee to stop the fight and leave the decision to the scorecards.

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El campeón mundial supermediano de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el alemán Robert Stieglitz, se enfrentará al japonés Yuzo Kiyota, intentando defender por primera ocasión su corona, dentro de su segundo reinado, en el combate estelar de la velada que se desarrollará esta noche en el Energie Verbund-Arena, en Dresden, Alemania.

Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KOs) buscará retener por primera vez el cinturón que recuperó el pasado 23 de marzo al detener por nocaut técnico en el cuarto round a su compatriota Arthur Abraham en Magdeburgo, Alemania, frente a Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KOs), actual N° 10 del ranking mundial supermediano OMB, quien tras ser monarca OPBF supermediano accede a su primera oportunidad mundialista en su debut fuera de su país.

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En la tarde del viernes, ambos superaron la ceremonia de pesaje, dejando todo listo para su duelo titular. Stieglitz registró 76,200 kg. -168 lbs.-. En tanto Kiyota marcó 75,900 kg. -167.3 lbs.-.

Stieglitz, nacido en Yeysk, Rusia, hace 32 años, y nacionalizado alemán, viene de recuperar su corona el pasado 23 de marzo al desquitarse de su compatriota Arthur Abraham por nocaut técnico en el cuarto capítulo en Magdeburgo, Alemania. Así se desquitó de lo ocurrido el 25 de agosto de 2012 cuando Abraham lo había destronado en fallo unánime en Kreuzberg, Berlín, Alemania. Al momento de resignar la corona había acumulado seis defensas exitosas del cetro supermediano OMB que conquistó el 22 de agosto de 2009 al destronar al húngaro Karoly Balzsay por nocaut técnico en el undécimo asalto en Budapest, Hungría. Tras ello lo refrendó sobre el argentino Rubén “Siru” Acosta (KOT 5), el alemán Eduard Gutknecht (DU 12), el mexicano Enrique Ornelas (DU 12), el armenio Khoren Gevor (Desc. 10), el alemán Henry Weber (DU 12), y el australiano Nader Hamdan (DU 12), el 5 de mayo en Erfurt, Alemania. Luego de caer ante Abraham, en lo que era la séptima exposición de su reinado, se recuperó el 26 de enero con una victoria por nocaut en el tercer round sobre el polaco Michal Nieroda en Barcelona, España, por lo que llega deseoso de desquitarse. Y el 23 de marzo recapturó su cinturón, que ahora planea defender.

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En tanto Kiyota, nacido en Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japón, hace 29 años, ha ganado sus últimos cuatro combates, luego de caer por nocaut técnico en el primer capítulo frente al estadounidense Jameson Bostic el 11 de octubre de 2010 en Tokio, Japón. El 22 de marzo de 2012 venció por nocaut técnico en el séptimo a su compatriota Shintaro Matsumoto, para reconquistar el cinto OPBF supermediano, previo a derrotar técnicamente en el sexto al también japonés Hiromitsu Miura, ambas en Tokio. Así, el actual N° 10 del ranking mundial supermediano OMB, busca consagrarse en su primera oportunidad mundialista, en lo que será su debut fuera tierras niponas.

Las autoridades designadas por la OMB son: el árbitro será el estadounidense Celestino Ruiz. Los jueces serán AlejandroLópez Cid, de México, Terry O’Connor, de Inglaterra, e Ingo Barrabas, de Alemania. El supervisor será el presidente de la entidad, el puertorriqueño Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel.

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En el otro combate mundialista de la noche, la campeona mundial mediana de la OMB, la alemana Christina Hammer (14-0, 7 KOs), se enfrentará a la ex retadora mundialista sueca Mikaela Lauren (19-2, 7 KOs), intentando defender por quinta ocasión su corona.

Hammer marcó 71,150 kg. -156.9 lbs.-, mientras que Lauren acusó 70,500 kg. -155.6 lbs.-.

En otra de las atracciones de la noche, el ex campeón mundial superwelter interino OMB y actual monarca europeo mediano OMB, el checo Lukas Konecny (49-4, 23 KOs), se medirá al tunecino nacionalizado francés Moez Fhima (22-2-1, 8 KOs), intentando retener por primera vez su cinturón.

Resultados del pesaje:

Robert Stieglitz 168 lbs. vs. Yuzo Kiyota 167.3 lbs.

Título mundial supermediano OMB

Christina Hammer 156.9 lbs. vs. Mikaela Lauren 155.6 lbs.

Título mundial mediano OMB
Lukas Konecny 158.5 lbs. vs. Moez Fhima 158.9 lbs.
Título europeo mediano OMB
Michael Wallisch 238 lbs. vs. Alexander Kahl 415 lbs.
Título alemán pesado

Robin Krasniqi 174.6 lbs. vs. Tomas Adamek 174.1 lbs.

Dario Bredicean 167.5 lbs. vs. Jan Zechmeister 168.6 lbs.

Escenario: Energie Verbund-Arena, en Dresden, Alemania.

Promotor: Sport Events Steinforth.

TV: SAT1 (Alemania).

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Stieglitz_y_Kiyota_cumplen_en_Dresden.php

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By:  Brian Mazique –

Newly crowned WBO super middleweight champion, Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KO) may be cherry-picking with his choice of opponent for his next bout, but there’s always the possibility that he could be biting into some bad fruit.

Stieglitz will defend his crown against Japanese KO artist Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KO) Saturday night in the champion’s home country of Germany. Stieglitz is coming off a dominant performance over tough Arthur Abraham in March. He stopped Abraham in the fourth round to earn the WBO title.

Stieglitz now faces Kiyota, who is the 63rd ranked super middleweight in the world by Boxrec.com, but is somehow slated 10th by the WBO. The latter is the only governing body that ranks Kiyota in the top 10, so make of that what you will.

On paper, it looks as though Stieglitz should have an easy time with Kiyota, but this is boxing and strange things happen on the way to expected, easy victories. Here’s how you can watch the fight, followed by a closer look at the matchup:

When Where TV Coverage
Saturday, July 13 at 4:20 p.m. EDT Energie Verbund Arena in Dresden, Sachsen, Germany Sat. 1 in Germany and on ESPN3 via Live Stream

The Book on Stieglitz

Is He Taking it Too Easy?

The 32-year-old champion has the opportunity to cash in with bigger fights later this year or possibly early in 2014. Andre Ward is considered the top dog in the 168-pound weight class, but IBF and WBA champion Carl Froch, WBC champion Sakio Bika, George Groves and Thomas Oosthuizen are all possibilities as well.

With so many higher-profile opponents within Stieglitz’s sights, there is always the danger of overlooking a seemingly less dangerous foe.

Oosthuizen may have done just that in his last fight. He was out-boxed by Brandon Gonzales, but the latter was shafted when the fight was called a draw. Stieglitz has to be careful not to allow himself to be caught off guard against Kiyota.

In the Ring

Stieglitz’s style usually creates exciting fights. He comes straight forward and doesn’t employ a ton of head movement—especially when he believes he has the upper hand.

Though he doesn’t boast an overly impressive KO percentage (53.19), his pressure and conditioning can wear an opponent down.

Against a less-experienced fighter like Kiyota, that may be all he needs.

The Book on Kiyota

Can He Shock the World? Well, At Least Central Europe.

You may be wondering why Kiyota showed up for the press conference wearing a surgical mask. Kiyota said this during the pre-fight press conference, per Fight News:

“It’s common for Japanese athletes to protect themselves from infection. That’s why I wear the mask.”

He’ll be hoping his performance is infectious Saturday night. The 29-year-old Japanese fighter has 21 KOs, but considering most of his opposition have been rudimentary, his knockout exploits aren’t quite as impressive.

Three of his last six fights have come against fighters who don’t even have winning records. The lone time he faced a fighter with a respectable mark in that time span occurred in October 2010. Kiyota was stopped in the first round by Jameson Bostic in that fight.

It could be a long—or short—night for Kiyota.

In the Ring

It was difficult finding video of Kiyota‘s fights. That’s the problem when a fighter has such a nondescript list of opposition. Kiyota can punch, but can he land against a top-notch, 168-pound fighter who will clearly represent the best opposition he’s faced?

Prediction

Stieglitz will lay waste to Kiyota by the third round. Kiyota may have been germ conscience at the press conference, but a mask won’t protect him from Stieglitz’s fists Saturday night.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1700314-robert-stieglitz-vs-yuzo-kiyota-fight-time-date-live-stream-tv-info-and-more

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Photos: P. Gercke / Team SES

Several hundred boxing fans watched WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz and challenger Yuzo Kiyota participated in a public workout at the Centrum Galerie in Dresden, Germany. Stieglitz worked the pads with trainer Dirk Dzemski, while Kiyota was very restrained in his actions not wanting to give Stieglitz any insight about his mobility.

Also on hand was female world champion Christina Hammer and Swedish challenger Mikaela Lauren who engaged in a tense 90-second face-off. Lauren then shoved Hammer with both hands. Also on hand were SES fighters Lukas Konecny, Michael Wallisch, Robin Krasniqi and Dario Bredicean. Lukas Konecny ​​defends his WBO European middleweight against Frenchman Moez Fhima and Michael Wallisch defends his German heavyweight championship against Alexander Kahl.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/stieglitz-kiyota-public-workout-211799

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Photo:  Peter Gercke/SES Boxing –

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- World Boxing Organization (WBO), by president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, announced today the referees and judges who will work this Saturday, July 13, in the world title fights to be held in Germany and Philippines.

At the Energie Verbund-Arena en Dresden, Sachsen, Germany, the WBO supermiddleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KOs) will make his first defense when he faces Japanese Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KOs), the #10 ranked, in a Sport Events Steinforth presentation. For this fight the referee will be Celestino Ruiz from United States.

Meanwhile the judges for the Stieglitz-Kiyota bout are Alejandro López Cid from México, Terry O’Connor from United Kingdom and Ingo Barrabas from Germany. The WBO supervisor for this fight will be the President Paco Valcarcel himself.

Otherwise, at the Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, the WBO minimumweight champion Merlito Sabillo (22-0, 11 KOs) will defend his belt for the first time against the #15 ranked Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6 KOs) from Colombia. The referee for this bout will be Raul Caiz Jr. from United States.

The judges for the fight between Sabillo and Estrada, an ALA Promotions presentation, are Salven Lagumbay from Philippines and Joe García and Ulysses Glen, both from United States. The WBO supervisor for this fight will be Leon Panoncillo Jr. Free porn games I download on https://pornova.org A very convenient and understandable site with many porn games, including various hentai games

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/07/stieglitz-kiyota-referee-and-judges/

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Photo:  Peter Gercke/SES Boxing –

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) anuncia los oficiales que trabajarán este sábado, 13 de julio, en las defensas titulares de los campeones mundiales Robert Stieglitz y Merlito Sabillo, que cobrarán vida en Alemania y Filipinas, respectivamente.  

El presidente de la OMB, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, informó que para el choque que se efectuará en el Energie Verbund-Arena en Dresden, Sachsen, Alemania, donde el ruso radicado en ese país, Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KOs) expondrá por primera vez frente al japonés Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KOs) el cetro supermediano (168 libras) que le arrebató en marzo pasado a Arthur Abraham, el árbitro será el estadounidense Celestino Ruiz

Los tres jueces para el encuentro del monarca Stieglitz y el décimo clasificado Kiyota son Alejandro López Cid, de México, Terry O’Connor, de Inglaterra, e Ingo Barrabas, de Alemania. El supervisor de la OMB para este choque encuentro, presentado por Sport Events Steinforth, será el propio presidente de la entidad, el puertorriqueño Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel

Por otra parte, para la pelea que se llevará a cabo en el Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino de Pasay City, Metro Manila, Filipinas, en que el titular de peso mínimo de la OMB, el filipino Merlito Sabillo (22-0, 11 KOs), defenderá su correa ante el colombiano Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6 KOs), clasificado número 15, el árbitro será Raúl Caíz Jr., de Estados Unidos. 

Mientras, los jueces que trabajarán en el pleito Sabillo-Estrada son los estadounidenses Joe García y Ulysses Glen, así como el filipino Salven Lagumbay. El supervisor de la OMB para este combate será Leon Panoncillo Jr.  

La pelea entre Sabillo y Estrada es una presentación de ALA Promotions.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Comunicado_25/Oficiales_de_Stieglitz-Kiyota_Sabillo-Estrada.php

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Photos: Peter Gercke/SES Boxing –

A press conference was held Monday for Saturday’s big SES Boxing world championship boxing card at the Energy Verbund Arena in Dresden, Germany. WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz defends his title against Yuzo Kiyota in the main event. Kiyota wore a surgical mask the entire time.

Robert Stieglitz: In the last fight in Dresden, the audience was great, so it’s like boxing at home here. I’ve had a look at the last fights of Yuzo Kiyota. He boxes aggressively, goes forward and is physically strong. On Saturday I must once again call on what I can do.

Stieglitz’ trainer Dirk Dzemski: Up to now I only know Yuzo Kiyota from videos. He’s a strong kid. Robert must validate his performance from March (against Arthur Abraham).

Yuzo Kiyota: It’s common for Japanese athletes to protect themselves from infection. That’s why I wear the mask. Robert Stieglitz boxes very fast. He’s a good fighter. I want to win this fight with a knockout.

The card also features two-division female champion Christina Hammer once again at middleweight defending her WBO and WBF titles, middleweight Lukas Konecny defending the WBO European belt, and German heavyweight champion Michael Wallisch defending against Alexander Kahl. In addition, recent light heavyweight world title challenger Robin Krasniqi and Axel Shulz’ super middleweight discovery Dario Bredicean will see action.

Robin Krasniqi: I have taken a lot of experience out of the world title fight against Nathan Cleverly. I was very sad about the defeat, but I’m a fighter and I’ll show it.

Lucas Koncny: It’s nice to box in Dresden. This is ideal for my Czech fans.

Michael Wallisch: I learned to box almost around the corner in Chemnitz. I have a lot of friends in Dresden. It’s like a second home for me. It is important to fight for the German championship. Finally it should be clarified by the German heavyweights who is the best.

Promoter Ulf Steinforth: SES has at the moment the best boxing there is. In 2010, [our card in] Dresden was the birth for the deal with SAT.1. So, naturally there was no question that the new run should start in Dresden. I’m happy about all the fights on Saturday. This is a top card for the Energy Verbund Arena. Especially the appearance of Michael Wallisch pleases me. He has an attractive boxing style and the balls to go toe-to-toe. This isn’t always the case in the heavyweight division.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/stieglitz-kiyota-press-conference-highlights-211525

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By Allan Fox: WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KO’s) will be making his first defense of his WBO title this Saturday, July 13th, against #10 WBO, Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KO’s) at the Energie Verbund-Arena, in Dresden, Germany.

This is an optional title defense for the 32-year-old Stieglitz so he opted to take an easy fringe contender rather than a dangerous contender that might trouble him.

Stieglitz beat Arthur Abraham by a 4th round TKO last March to win the WBO super middleweight title back from him after having lost the belt last year to Abraham by a 12 round unanimous decision in August 2012.

Stieglitz and his trainer did a good job of doing their homework in studying Abraham’s fighting style and coming up with the perfect plan to beat him by coming out fast and unloading on him with nonstop punches until the fight was stopped because Abraham’s left eye had swollen completely shut.

Stieglitz won’t have to worry about coming up with any kind of perfect strategies to beat the 29-year-old Kiyota because he should be able to beat him just by showing up. The World Boxing Organization is the only sanctioning body that has Kiyota ranked in their top 15, and when you see that it tells you that there are major question marks about the talent for that fighter.

Kiyota hasn’t faced any quality fighters yet during his 11-year pro career. He’s been beaten three times in losses to Jameson Bostic, Norifumi Suzuki and Fukutaro Ujie.

If Stieglitz gets past Kiyota, he could be facing George Groves or another rematch with Abraham later this year. It’s likely he’ll choose not to face Groves yet, and instead will look to face Abraham again or go for another optional title defense.

If Stieglitz fights like he did last March against Abraham, he’d be tough for anyone in the super middleweight division to beat. He looked dramatically improved in that fight.

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/07/robert-stieglitz-vs-yuzo-kiyota-this-saturday-july-13th-in-dresden-germany/

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Stieglitz set to defend WBO title against Kiyota on July 13 in Dresden

Photos: Team SES/U. Koch

WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (44-3, 25 KOs) will defend his title against WBO #10 rated Yuzo Kiyota (23-3-1, 21 KOs) on July 13 at the Energie Verbund-Arena in Dresden, Germany. It will be Stieglitz’ first defense since regaining the title against Arthur Abraham in March. “I want to show the fans strong fights,” said Steiglitz at a press conference to announce the fight. “Yuko Kiyota is an extremely physically strong and aggressive boxer. But my trainer and I have always have a plan. After twelve years, I’ve become ‘Boxer of the Year’ in Germany. So I can be a good role model for all my teammates and some of them can do it too.”

The SES Boxing event will also feature WBO European middleweight beltholder and recent WBO light heavyweight title challenger Robin Krasniqi in separate bouts. In women’s action, WBO, WIBF and WBF super featherweight champion Ramona Kuehne and super middleweight champion Christina Hammer returns to middleweight to defend her WBO and WBF belts.

This will be the first show under Stieglitz’ new deal with the SAT.1 network.

“SAT.1 is our new TV-partner and that makes me proud. Robert’s victory over Arthur Abraham was the door opener for the deal with SAT.1. I can only say one thing: Let’s get ready to rumble! Kiyota is the first Japanese boxer to fight for a WBO world championship. He has a high knockout quota and Robert is the one who will be hunted.”

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013

WBO Super Middleweight Championship title

Location:  GETEC Arena, Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany

Promoter:  Wilfred Sauerland (Sauerland Even)/ Ulf Steinforth (Sport Events Steinforth)

Referee:  Mike Ortega

Judges:  Cesar Ramos; Jose Ignacio Martinez; Clark Sammartino

Supervisor:  Itsvan Kovacs

Results:  Stieglietz TKO Abraham in the 4 round in 0:01

Date: Saturday,  March 1, 2014

WBO Super Middleweight Championship

Location:  Magdeburg, Leipzig or Dresden, Germany

Promoter: SES Boxing; Sport Events Steinforth 

Supervisor:  Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.

Referee:  Genaro Rodriguez

Judges:  Michael Pernick (112-113); Clark Sammartino (114-111); Paul Thomas (115-110)

Result:  Arthur Abraham regained the WBO Super Middleweight title beating Robert Stieglitz via split decision.

 

Date: August 25, 2012

WBO Super Middleweight Championship Title Bout

Location: O2 World Arena, Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany

Promoter: Sports Events Steinforth GmbH

Result: Abraham wins by unanimous decision

Referee: Joe Cortez

Judges: Noel Monnet (116-112), Rocky Young  (115-113), Cesar Ramos (116-112)

Supervisor: Francisco Valcarcel

In his third attempt, former IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs) won a version of the super middleweight title, dethroning WBO champion Robert Stieglitz (42-3, 23 KOs) by unanimous decision on Saturday night at the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany.

Stiegtitz started well, outboxing Abraham and piling up an early lead. The pattern of the bout was established in round four. Stieglitz did most the work, but Abraham landed the harder and more effective shots. Abraham did a lot of mugging, dropping his hands and shrugging as he tried to goad Stieglitz into trading. The outgunned Stieglitz showed a lot of grit, often attacking with sharp flurries of punches. The champion’s face was getting pretty busted up by round ten and referee Joe Cortez stopped the action and called in the ring doctor, who OK’d the bout to continue. Abraham was relatively unmarked. Most rounds were close and the decision was still in doubt as the fight went to the judges. Scores were 116-112, 116-112, 115-113 for Abraham.

Former world amateur light middleweight titleholder “Golden” Jack Culcay (12-0, 8 KOs) stopped Frederic Serre (13-7, 3 KOs) in round three to claim the vacant WBA Inter-Continental belt.

Unbeaten WBO #7 light heavyweight Dustin Dirks (25-0, 19 KOs) hung the fifth straight loss on journeyman Sandro Siproshvili (25-14, 12 KOs). Dirks mostly battered the game Siproshvili until Siproshvili’s corner threw in the towel in round seven. Time was 2:05.

WBO #5 light heavyweight Robin Krasniqi (38-2, 14 KOs) scored a fourth round KO over previously unbeaten former stablemate Serdar Sahin (20-1, 13 KOs) to claim the vacant WBO International belt. Krasnigi dropped the WBO #12 rated Sahin in round one and again in the fourth. The bout was waved off by referee Franz-Michael Maas at :46.

By: Karl Freitag

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/stieglitz-abraham-undercard-results-131774

O2 WORLD ARENA, BERLIN – Robert Stieglitz (42-2) defends his WBO belt this weekend against Arthur Abraham (34-3) in what is an intriguing contest, if one that will not gain much publicity in the UK or probably the US for that matter.

Abraham is heavily favoured by the layers and is chalked up at a best price of 4/11 (Ladbrokes, Skybet). Stieglitz is widely available at 11/4 (Totesport, Betfred) and the draw is 30/1 (Paddy Power, Bwin).

On paper, it’s not hard to see why Abraham is considered a jolly, with some good wins on his record and his losses coming against arguably the two best fighters in the division and the other against the trickiest. Abraham ruled the roost at middleweight, defending the IBF world title 10 times and establishing a reputation as an extremely tough KO artist, before stepping up to super middleweight to compete in the Super Six. Abraham’s tournament debut could hardly have been more impressive as he looked to be coasting towards a comfortable points decision against Jermain Taylor, before delivering a concussive knock out in the final round. Alas that was as good as it got for King Arthur in the tournament: fouling Dirrell in the eleventh round of a fight that he looked like losing on points in any event; being shut out by Froch (in the eyes of all bar one judge); and then being comprehensively decisioned by Ward. The fights against Froch and Ward were both world titles, so Abraham will be hoping that it’s third time lucky at this weight.

Stieglitz has held the WBO title for the past 3 years; however, his standard of opposition has been European rather than World level. The only fighter that Stieglitz has faced that can be described as even “B” level is Librado Andrade, who had his number fairly comfortably before stopping him in the eighth round back in 2008. Stieglitz has had fights lined up this year against Mikkel Kessler and then George Groves. Both of these fighters withdrew due to injury, but it would appear that either Stieglitz is confident that he has improved significantly or is ready to relinquish his title for a decent payday.

If Stieglitz was on offer at any bigger than 4/1, then I may consider getting involved; however, my feeling is that this is a not-quite world-class super middleweight, in Abraham, against a decent European class one, who I consider “C” standard at world level, in Stieglitz.

The method of victory market is of rather more interest from the betting perspective. Abraham is a stand out 6/5 with Ladbrokes to win by way of decision, with William Hill offering 5/2 on him getting the job done inside the distance. With others offering as low as 6/4 on this outcome, this is a price which I fancy holds a little value. Sadly nowhere near as much as the 9/2 on offer last week. I think that the bookies are placing rather too much emphasis on Abraham’s failure to stop Wilczewski in his last fight. Wilczewski will be familiar to British fans after putting James DeGale on silly street midway through their closely contested European title fight, which DeGale eventually edged on points. Whilst clearly this result bears consideration, I’d be reluctant to base the price on this market solely on this, which is what the bookies appear to have done.

Abraham may well have lost some confidence during the Super Six, but he never took the kind of beating which can destroy a fighter. In addition, whilst his power does not appear as intimidating having stepped up in weight, it still can’t be discounted entirely. He has the aforementioned KO victory against Taylor and had Dirrell down in the tenth round of their fight, albeit this was called a slip by the referee, incorrectly in my opinion. Failure to land any significant blows on Froch or Ward can be put down to their superior boxing skills, so I believe that the demise of Abraham’s punching power may have been somewhat overstated. When you add to the mix that Stieglitz has twice been stopped and, in the case of Andrade, by a fairly one dimensional pressure fighter, then the 5/2 starts to look rather large.

The biggest criticism of Abraham is that he walks forward in straight lines with as high a guard as you’ll ever see, which makes him very predictable. This style was easily countered for 12 rounds by Froch/Ward and for 9 rounds by Dirrell. Stieglitz has shown nothing to date to show that he is anywhere near the class of these fighters and I fancy Abraham to walk him down and stop him. Stieglitz’ KO ratio is only just over 50%, so it’s unlikely that he’ll have the ammunition to keep Abraham off him.

For anyone fancying a flutter on Stieglitz, then I’d certainly advise enhancing the odds by backing him to win by way of decision at 21/5 (Sporting Bet). Abraham has never been stopped, continuing with a broken jaw against Miranda to win by stoppage himself and as already mentioned, Stieglitz isn’t particularly heavy-handed. 18/1 (Sporting Bet) is on offer about Stieglitz winning inside the distance, but I’d be astonished if he were to stop Abraham. In fact, I’d say that there’s as much chance of this bet coming in by way of disqualification as knockout, and I’d want triple figures when betting on the DQ in any given fight!

The second biggest criticism of Abraham is that he’s a notoriously slow starter. This opens up another possible bet of value if you take a relatively small chance by discounting Abraham getting things wrapped up early. Paddy Power go 5/1 about Abraham winning in the latter half of the fight and Ladbrokes 7/1 about a victory between rounds 5 and 8. I think both are worth a flutter, although my preference would be for the slightly bigger odds on the middle rounds.

Unless Abraham is a shadow of his former self, or Steiglitz greatly improved, then I fancy Abraham to get to him and stop him around the sixth or seventh round.

By: Nic Mimmack

http://www.betasia.com/boxing/501884/arthur-abraham-vs-robert-stieglitz-wbo-super-middleweight-world-title-fight-preview

Arthur Abraham (34-3, 27 KO’s) goes into his August 25th fight against WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (42-2, 23 KO’s) with a considerable power advantage in their fight at the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Germany. Whether the power will be enough for the 32-year-old Abraham is the important question.

Abraham’s stamina is still a major liability for him, as he’s not improved in that department despite moving up in weight from the middleweight division where he previously held the IBF title from 2005 to 2009. During his last year as the IBF champ, his stamina really turned south on him with him unable to fight hard for more than 20 seconds of every round.

Abraham became really limited by then and utterly predictable with the way that he would come alive when the round was nearing the end. Luckily for him, his promoters matched him up against nothing but soft opposition during this time so he was able to hold onto his belt. After Abraham moved up in weight to the 168 pound division, he felt that his stamina would be better because he wouldn’t have to take off so much weight in order to make weight.

However, Abraham has looked just as tired and limited as he was when he was fighting at 160. He’s lost three out of the seven fights he’s had at this weight and was beaten by the only three good opponents he faced. For this reason it’s hard to tell how Abraham will do against Stieglitz because he’s done so poorly each time he faced a good fighter at this weight. The issue here is whether Stieglitz is a good fighter.

It’s impossible to know because his German handlers have kept him away from the truly good fighters in the super middleweight division and aimed him at softer Euro level opponents. As such, we don’t know if Stieglitz is any better than he showed when he was stopped in the 8th round by Librado Andrade in March 2008.

Stieglitz does have the better boxing skills compared to Abraham, and that’s not saying much. Abraham is pretty limited and crude in the ring. Just about any halfway decent fighter is going to have better skills than Abraham. But it might not matter because Abraham’s power is more than good enough to make up for his skills disadvantage if he can connect with some big shots often enough. Abraham hits hard enough to end a fight with a single shot, but he most bludgeons his opponents into submission over the course of his fights.

By: Allan Fox

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/08/abrahams-power-vs-stieglitzs-skills/

A deal has been finalized for Arthur Abraham (34-3, 27KOs) to challenge WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (42-2, 23KOs) on August 25 at O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The two boxers met face to face at press conference to announce the fight. An army of reporters and photographers turned out to catch the action.

“I’m happy that this fight will take place at o2 World. I was hoping for another chance to show my skills in this incredible arena in front of as many fans as possible. I am looking forward to entertain them again, like I did back in 2009 with my last round knockout against Jermain Taylor,” said Arthur Abraham.

Robert Stieglitz is not fazed at all with the outlook of fighting in Abraham’s backyard: “That’s my belt and we are going to battle for it – in the end it will still be mine. I will prove that my championship is legitimate, no matter of the opposition, time or place.”

Ticket sales for Robert Stieglitz vs. Arthur Abraham are going to start this Friday, June 8. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventim.de or www.o2world-berlin.de. Alternatively, ticket information can be obtained at www.boxing-online.com or www.sesboxing.de.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=53687

WBO European champion Arthur Abraham (34-3, 27KOs) is ready for the challenge of facing full WBO king Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs). BoxingScene.com reported on Wednesday that British boxer George Groves (14-0, 11KOs) was removed from the mandatory position – and the sanctioning organization approved Abraham (34-3, 27KOs) as the new mandatory challenger to Stieglitz.

Groves was scheduled to face Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs) on May 5th in Germany. On Tuesday he withdrew with a nose injury. Stieglitz was given the option of making a voluntary defense on May 5, but then he has 90 days to fight Abraham.

Abraham wants the fight and he was confident his countryman would have defeated Groves.

“I think Stieglitz would beat Groves because he is a lot stronger. I want to [face] Stieglitz, because he also lives in Germany – and for German fans [the two of us fighting] for a world title will be very interesting,” Abraham said.

 

By Ruslan Chikov

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51940

Super middleweight George Groves (14-0, 11KOs) has announced that he suffered an injury in training, which didn’t heal in time, and he’s been forced to withdraw from his upcoming fight with WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs), scheduled to take place on Sauerland Event’s big show on May 5th in Germany. Groves previously suffered an injury which forced him to withdraw from a rematch with Kenny Anderson a few weeks ago. The Anderson rematch is still on the ledger for June 30th.

The fight with Stieglitz was made after the WBO named Groves as the mandatory challenger to the super middleweight title. Anderson is the mandatory challenger to Groves’ British title.

“I am sorry to have to announce that I won’t be boxing on May 5th. I have picked up an injury in the build up to this fight. We tried to work through it but soon realized I wouldn’t be able to perform the training needed to prepare for this fight. After coming back to London immediately and seeking medical advice, I hope that this problem will be sorted soon and will only be a short delay,” Groves wrote.

“I am truly sorry to everyone involved who will be affected by this. This is without a doubt the toughest decision I have ever had to make, I am gutted but nothing worth having is given away. It has only made me more determined to achieve my goal of becoming world champion. Thanks to everyone again for their continued support in my journey.”

 

By Edward Chaykovsky

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51848

Piotr Wilczewksi (30-2, 10 KOs) is the last obstacle between Arthur Abraham (33-3, 27 KOs) and another world title shot. “If Arthur wins on Saturday night, he will be the highest-ranked challenger in the WBO ratings and face the winner of Stieglitz-Groves,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said at today´s press conference. “It´s all or nothing for Arthur. He needs to win against Wilczewski.”

Abraham is ready to make things happen. “It will be a tough fight, but I have trained well,” he stated. “We have trained very hard and I am in good shape. I will win on Saturday, that´s all I want to say right now.”

After missing yesterday´s public work-out due to an airport strike in Germany, his opponent showed up on time today for the press conference. “Being stuck at Munich airport was no problem for me,” said Wilczewski, a former European Super-Middleweight Champion. “I just trained at the airport. I eventually reached Kiel at 20:30 last night. It does not bother me. I am ready for Abraham. We know what he will do and we don´t expect any surprises.”

In the co-featured main event, European Light Heavyweight Champion Eduard Gutknecht (23-1, 9 KOs) takes on Tony Averlant (17-5-2, 4 KOs). “I have to defend my belt because my kids want to keep playing with it,” Gutknecht said with a smile. Also in action will be unbeaten cruiserweight sensation Mateusz Masternak (25-0, 19 KOs), who comes face-to-face with Felipe Romero (15-4-1, 9 KOs). “European champion Alexander Alekseev better watches this clash closely,” Kalle Sauerland stated. “We plan to challenge him very soon with Mateusz. He has great potential.”

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/abraham-closing-in-on-world-title-shot-111449

BoxingScene.com has been informed that SES Boxing, who promote WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs), secured the rights to the mandatory defense against British titleholder George Groves (14-0, 11KOs). The WBO held a purse bid earlier today in Budapest, Hungary. Reportedly SES submitted “around $800,000.”

Stieglitz was scheduled to defend his title against Mikkel Kessler on April 14th in Coppenhagen, but BoxingScene broke the news earlier today that Kessler is still dealing with a right hand injury and withdrew from the contest . Kessler will return on May 19th against a new opponent.

Groves has a fight scheduled on Friday night in Wembley, as he faces dangerous puncher Kenny Anderson (15-1, 11KOs) in a rematch.

 

By Rick Reeno

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50540

Team Sauerland has announced that Mikkel Kessler’s next fight in Copenhagen has been postponed to May 19. The Viking Warrior has not yet regained the necessary fitness following last year´s hand surgery, forcing him to pull out of the April 14 clash with WBO Super-Middleweight Champion Robert Stieglitz. Details about the new opponent will be announced at a press conference next week. “I hate to keep my fans waiting and I am really sorry about the delay,” Kessler said. “As a boxer, my fists are my biggest weapon. To fight and to win at the highest level, I need my hand to be fully recovered. Unfortunately, the April 14 date comes just a little too early but I will be ready on May 19. I have kept my shape and can´t wait to be fighting again in front of my Danish fans.”

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: “Although I believe that Mikkel would defeat 90 percent of the super-middleweights out there with just one hand, we will not let him into the ring when he is not fully recovered. His health has always been our top priority. The five-week delay is disappointing but it´s not the end of the world. On May 19, Mikkel will come back in style and put on a great show.”

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/kessler-pulls-out-of-stieglitz-fight-110117

British super-middleweight championGeorge Groves has been catapulted into the world-title picture, with the WBO ordering a purse bid for a fight against Robert Stieglitz.

Stieglitz, who holds the WBO crown at 12 stone, is a veteran of 29 more professional fights and would represent a significant step up in quality for Groves.

The organisation’s ruling has taken many by surprise, considering both participants are facing difficult assignments next: Stieglitz is scheduled to meet Mikkel Kessler on April 14, while Groves has a rematch with Kenny Anderson on March 16.

Kessler is a two-time world champion who can boast a victory over Carl Froch on his CV; Groves was floored by Anderson before recording a stoppage win when they first met in November 2010, on the undercard of David Haye v Audley Harrison.

In December 2011, Groves’ trainer Adam Booth suggested that his charge was not ready to go for one of the most lucrative honours in the division. “It frightens me how little he knows and how much he’s got to do,” Booth told West London Sport.

“I’ve got no problem stating what his weaknesses are at the moment. I’m telling everyone that if you fight George, look for him with the right because you’ll find him.”

The purse bid will take place in Hungary on March 12.

 

http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/139942.html