BILLY JOE SAUNDERS TO DEFEND WBO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE ON KSI-LOGAN PAUL 2 CARD

It will also mark the British boxer’s American debut.

Eddie Hearn promised that legitimate boxers would be on the KSI-Logan Paul 2 card on Nov. 9. Well, the Matchroom Boxing president just delivered.

Hearn announced Friday that Billy Joe Saunders is set to defend his WBO Super Middleweight title in his American debut as part of the card on DAZN. Saunders’ opponent is slated to be announced next week.

Billy Joe is coming! @bjsaunders_ will make his American debut Nov 9 @STAPLESCenter defending his @WorldBoxingOrg World title live on @DAZN_USA – opponent announced prior to next wednesdays open work out 👌🏼🇬🇧🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sLo7A633Tr

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) September 20, 2019

Saunders scored a unanimous decision over Shefat Isufi in May to be crowned the WBO super middleweight champ, making Nov. 9 his first title defense. Perhaps the internet-driven KSI-Logan Paul 2 audience will warm up to Saunders, considering the 30-year-old has one of the most colorful personalities in boxing.

The next big question: who will Saunders be facing?

vIA https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/billy-joe-saunders-to-defend-wbo-super-middleweight-title-on-ksi-logan-paul-2-card/1qr7rgbfwducv19k9g8ksrh698

Credit:  Photos by Getty Images

Abraham has successfully retained his WBO World Super Middleweight Championship following the fight

• Arthur Abraham defended his WBO super middleweight title 
• The judges scored 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111 in his favour
• Abraham’s professional record improved to 42-4 with 28 knockouts 

Arthur Abraham retained his WBO super middleweight belt by defeating Paul Smith of England by unanimous decision for the second time on Saturday.

The judges scored their rematch 116-112, 117-111, 117-111 in favor of Abraham, who again dominated in the face of a spirited challenge from Smith.

Smith was angered to lose their first bout in September in Kiel, Germany, but there could no doubt about the winner here.

Germany’s Arthur Abraham lands a punch on his opponent Paul Smith of Great Britain 

The Armenian-born German seemed comfortable taking Smith’s punches and was more effective with his own, delivering punishing barrages that the Liverpudlian did well to weather.

Smith came out on the front foot, landing with the jab and throwing a useful combination on the ropes but it was nothing to trouble Abraham who landed a left of his own at the end of the first.

Abraham was more aggressive in the second as he targeted the body with both men throwing some wild punches as the third came to a close.

Smith was the first man to look hurt in the fourth and his legs appeared shaky after a barrage of shots ending with a right hook, but the Liverpudlian responded well before the champion unleashed a flurry of blows to the head as the round wound down.

The German had Smith on the ropes again early in the fifth with a flurry of punches but the challenger managed to block the majority of them. Abraham was growing in confidence now and dropped his gloves to invite Smith on before going back on the front foot and landing with more frequency.

Abraham gave an assured performance and won a unanimous decision against the challenger 

Smith hits Abraham with a strong uppercut during their fight in Berlin 

The momentum was with Abraham but Smith is made of stern stuff and a big body shot appeared to rock his opponent, sending Abraham into his shell for the remainder of the sixth.

Both men appeared to be tiring early in the seventh but a combination from Abraham sparked Smith to life with the Briton landing more body shots but a good left from Abraham in the closing stages rocked Smith again.

Abraham appeared to be growing in confidence and was beginning to get through with more punches on the ropes and the challenger kept going back to the body as he was getting little joy with the jab.

The German landed a good right hand just over a minute into the ninth and it was looking likely that the scorecards were getting away from Smith going into the last three rounds.

Abraham kept coming forward in the 10th and landing with more and more regularity, a big right hand wobbling Smith who was looking weary but still battling against the man three years his senior.

Smith seemed to find something else in the next but Abraham was sitting back now, clearly sensing that the job was done, and the German cruised through the last to retain his title.

Abraham improved his professional record to 42-4 (28 KOs) after making the third defense of the title he won back from Robert Stieglitz by split decision in March 2014. Meanwhile, Smith dropped to 35-5 (20 KOs).

After the match, Abraham poses with his belt in his dressing room in Berlin

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2963417/Arthur-Abraham-retains-WBO-super-middleweight-title-unanimous-decision-against-Paul-Smith.html

(Photo Credit: Sebastian Heger) —

Arthur Abraham (41-4, 28 KOs) and Paul Smith (35-4, 20 KOs) came face-to-face at today’s final press conference ahead of their WBO World Super Middleweight Championship rematch on Saturday night at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany.

‘’I know what I need to do,’’ announced the reigning WBO Champion Arthur Abraham. ‘’On Saturday night, I will get the job done. My hand will be raised and the title will remain round my waist!

‘’Smith fought well in our last fight, but can he do it again? I’ve trained harder this time round. I’m in better shape and will show my true potential. He is going to be in for a tough night. I can’t promise a knockout, but I can promise that I will do everything in my power to give the fans a spectacular finish.’’

The challenger, Smith is taking confidence from their first encounter and is also promising an improved performance as he attempts to dethrone ‘King Arthur’ in their world championship rematch.

‘’I’m ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get the win,’’ said Smith. ‘’I’m fit, I’m strong and I‘ve sparred very well. I know I‘ve got what it takes to defeat him. Abraham can be fitter and stronger this time around, any fighter can do that, but he cannot add anymore strings to his bow, he’s not that type of fighter, that type of man or that type in the gym. What he does is incredibly effective, it’s won him many, many World title fights and I respect him massively, but there’s not going to be anything new from him. I’m here to crash the party and prove I belong at the top!’’

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: ‘’Fans can expect another enthralling fight between these two world-class athletes. Arthur is in great shape and is fired up for this WBO World Championship rematch. He wants to beat Smith, and beat him convincingly, as he knows victory will bring him closer to the fights he craves.’’

Judgement Day: Abraham vs. Smith II is available to watch live on Sat.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK. Tickets are available via http://www.tickethall.de.

http://www.sauerlandpromotion.com/news/judgement-day-abraham-vs-smith-ii–final-press-conference

By Terence Dooley –

Team Sauerland are on the move from German TV broadcaster ARD to Sat.1, a privately-owned German TV station that started life in 1984 and is also available on the HD platform.  They will broadcast up to eight shows a year, with the option of a couple of pay-per-view events, and are allowed to take the Sauerland shows to other countries.

Indeed, Sauerland recently promoted the George Groves-Christopher Rebrasse EBU Super middleweight title fight here in the U.K., which was shown on Sky TV thanks to the input of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, and they stated that it will be the first of a few foreign soil showcases.

Sauerland have a growing British contingent, EBU title-holder Groves and former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion David Price signed with them this year, as well as the likes of Mikkel Kessler and Arthur Abraham, the WBO super middleweight titlist, but they could be without the services of WBO cruiserweight king Marco Huck, who recently declared a desire to part company with Nisse and Kalle Sauerland’s company in order to seek a fight with Wladimir Klitschko.

They join German legend Felix Sturm on the channel. He faces Robert Stieglitz at a catchweight of 166.45lbs on November 8, with the winner set to meet Abraham, who defended his title again Paul Smith last month.  With Sauerland now on board, Sat.1 will aim to become a bigger player on the German boxing scene.  Former heavyweight title contender Axel Schluz will be part of their fight night broadcast team to provide heavyweight analysis.

http://www.boxingscene.com/sauerland-event-major-tv-agreement-with-sat1–82997

Photo:  Arthur Abraham official page –

On May 3, Arthur Abraham plans to defend his WBO super middleweight crown against Nikola Sjekloca.

In this interview, the prodigy of coach Ulli Wegner talks about his quick return to the squared circle – having regained the title just this past March – and what he thinks about a possible fourth match up with compatriot Robert Stieglitz.

Only two months ago, you won back the WBO Super Middleweight World Championship from Robert Stieglitz. You will defend that title on May 3. Do you have something to prove?

No. I do not have to prove anything to anyone, except myself. I want to show that I am still hungry for success and also want to conserve my current shape by staying active. I can take a break when I am 40 years old – being retired for good.

Before you beat Stieglitz for the WBO Title, a lot of fans and experts said that you have had enough. Was your answer inside the ring also an answer to your critics?

I also had good tactics at hand in the rematch with Stieglitz, but his “lucky punch” rendered them void. I had the same kind of preparation for our rubber match and you saw what happened there. If I would have a lack of motivation I would have hang the gloves up rather today than tomorrow. I do not give a damn about what the critics say about it.

What about a fourth meeting with Stieglitz in the future?

We have given the fans an action-packed fight recently and I can envision that we can still give them another good fight. However, if it will come this far – I do not now. First, Stieglitz has to earn the chance to make it happen. Maybe he has to go up against someone like Tyron Zeuge, who might be too much for Stieglitz to overcome.

Next up for you is a title defense against Nikola Sjekloca. What are your thoughts on him?

He is physical strong and has only lost once to current world champion Sakio Bika. His technique is also respectable but it still will not be enough to beat me.

When you first met Sjekloca at the kick-off press conference earlier this month, he talked more about a possible unification with Bika than about fighting you. Does he lack the proper respect for you?

I do not care for his future plans. And by the way: who is the world champion – him or me? Before it gets tough inside the ring, a lot of fighters can talk a good game but cannot follow up their words with action. Watch my fight on May 3 to see this happen again.

Moreover, how do you want to earn Sjekloca’s respect?

With my punching power. When my first hard punch lands precisely, Sjekloca will know what he is up against. Then it will show what he is made of.

Your coach Ulli Wegner said that you are still progressing as a boxer. How long do you want to go on with your career?

I hope for at least another 2-3 years. I am feeling that I still have the potential to fight against the world’s best. I am still aiming to take revenge for some of my losses, like against Andre Ward. But now, it is all about beating Sjekloca on May 3.

http://www.boxingscene.com/arthur-abraham-set-quick-return-first-title-defense–77171

Photos: Team SES / P. Gercke –

WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (46-3, 26 KOs) and former champion Arthur Abraham (38-4, 28 KOs) will complete their trilogy on Saturday night at the GETEC Arena in Magdeburg, Germany. The series is 1:1 so far, with Abraham winning by decision in Berlin in August 2012 and Stieglitz winning by fourth round TKO in March 2013 in Magdeburg. SES outbid Sauerland Event to bring the rubber match back to Stieglitz’ backyard.

Today’s press conference took place in Magdeburg’s Cultural History Museum.

Robert Stieglitz: I am delighted that the press conference is again here in the Cultural History Museum. That gave me luck the last time and that’s exactly how it should be again. Saturday will be a real collision in the ring. Outside the ring I’m relaxed, because I’m here at home and Arthur is coming into the lion’s den. I will defend my title successfully and not give in.

Arthur Abraham: The previous fights are in the past, we are very well prepared and promise an exciting fight the fans will like. I have many fans here backing me. I don’t feel like I’m in a lion’s den. but rather in the cave of the cat. No matter where I’m boxing, I feel at home. It’s all or nothing! There’s nothing more important!

SES trainer Dirk Dzemski: We have a good plan. The question is, who can implement their tactics best. And I’m sure that’s Robert. The difference is our great team.

Abraham trainer Ulli Wegner: I think we all can do something great on Saturday. If it’s named as “Fight of the Year”, that’s fine. I feel terrific in Magdeburg, since the public is so knowledgable. Both camps are very well prepared. This fight is what makes boxing so interesting.

SES promoter Ulf Steinforth: Robert and Dirk Dzemski were a team for the first two sensational fights. The third fight had to take place here, because we have been successful here. It’s important to me because I’m superstitious and it has always worked so far. This third fight is super exciting. We have all the support we have always wanted, which is virtually an unbeatable advantage. This is also about the rivalry of the trainers, experience against youth, and it’s a battle of the promoters. But, here in Magdeburg we’re good hosts!

Sauerland Event promoter Kalle Sauerland: We look forward to a great fight. You only have to look at the first two fights. Trilogies are better than rematches. It’s “Champions League” boxing. We know what to do and look forward to being his guest.

WBO/WBF female middleweight champion Christina Hammer defends against Jessica Balogun in the co-feature.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/stieglitz-abraham-iii-presser-237700

Photos: Team SES / P. Gercke

WBO super middleweight Champion Robert Stieglitz (45-3-0, 26 KOs) will defend his title against #7 rated Isaac Ekpo (22-1, 16 KOs) of Nigeria on October 19 at the Messe Halle in Leipzig, Germany. The card will also feature a clash between IBF flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane (29-2, 20 KOs) and Spaniard Silvio Olteanu (14-6-1, 6 KOs) plus WBO Youth jr welterweight beltholder and leader of SES Boxing’s “Team Germany” Dominic Boesel (12-0, 4 KOs) will take on Italian Mirko Ricci (10-1, 4 KOs).

“This is my last title defense of the year,” said Steiglitz at today’s press conference. “Leipzig is a special city for me. It’s not far from Magdeburg and I have a lot of fans…we did preliminary analysis of the challenger Isaac Ekpo. He’s aggressive and muscular. I’ve been working a lot with my legs and speed. My Teammate Jan Zaveck invited me to spend two weeks at a training camp in Ptuj, Slovenia.”

Regarding his WBO mandated defense third fight against Arthur Abraham, Stieglitz stated, “That’s quite normal and I’m happy about it. As world champion I must box everyone anyway.”

Trainer Dirk Dzemski added “I’m very pleased with Robert this year, especially that he came away without injury from the fight against Kiyota. Now comes the hot and stressful phaseof the preparation, the training camp in Slovenia. One thing is certain, it will only be a vacation for me (grins). Isaac Ekpo is hungry, can hit hard – this will be an exciting thing that you must take very seriously.”

SES promoter Ulf Steinforth stated: “Leipzig is something special. We’ve had the city on our list and now we bring the best of what we have. We anticipate 6,000 spectators and with the new seating system, we can expand capacity quickly. The next fight against Ekpo is difficult enough for Robert. Ekpo is the current #7 in the world rankings. That’s why we can’t make any further plans. Dominic is a worthy captain of Team Germany. That a competition is emerging within Team Germany is, of course, good. We’ve proved that there are very talented young boxers and it’s fun to promote and to see them. Robert is currently the boxer with the most fights, a true role model, a mentor for Team Germany, which is what I’m most proud of. In Leipzig we’ll have Team Germany, Jan Zaveck and the newly added IBF flyweight championship completing the card. Out of eight fights we will have four title fights.”

Ticket sales will start at the end of the week.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/stieglitz-to-defend-against-7-rated-ekpo-on-october-19-in-leipzig-222288

En el año de su vigésima primera temporada, este sábado, 15 de diciembre, Combate Space se traslada hasta la ciudad alemana de Núremberg, Alemania, referente del automovilismo internacional con su circuito callejero de Norisring, para seguir las alternativas de una atractiva velada del boxeo. La transmisión, con relato desde el ring side del estadio Arena Nürnberger Versicherung, dará comienzo a las 4 p.m. (ARG / UY / CH) / 2 p.m. (COL / PE / ECU / PAN) / 1 p.m. (MEX / CR / GUA) / 2.30 p.m. (VEN).

En la pelea de fondo del último evento en vivo del año para el canal, se enfrentarán a doce rounds y por la corona mundial supermediano de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el campeón mundial, el armenio nacionalizado alemán Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs), frente al francés Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs), ante quien intentará defender por primera ocasión su corona. Además, habrá un punto de interés extra para Latinoamérica, ya que el ecuatoriano nacionalizado alemán Jack Culcay será parte del cartel.

“El rey Arturo” Abraham es un viejo conocido de nuestra pantalla. Viene de destronar a su compatriota Robert Stieglitz por decisión unánime en agosto pasado, cuando despojó a su rival del título mundial supermediano OMB que ahora se apresta a defender. Anteriormente, en marzo de 2012 derrotó al polaco Piotr Wilczewski, en un lance por el título europeo supermediano OMB. Y en enero de este año ya lo habíamos visto vencer por nocaut técnico en cinco asaltos al argentino Pablo “Pokemón” Farías.

Tiempo antes, vimos por Space como el crédito armenio cayó en una de las semifinales del Super Six World Boxing Classic. Su participación en este evento durante 2010 y 2011 le significó a Abraham padecer las tres únicas caídas de su récord, a manos del estadounidense Andre Dirrell, el inglés Carl Froch y el estadounidense Andre Ward.

Bouadla, en tanto, N° 14 del ranking supermediano OMB, accede por primera vez a una pelea por título mundial, tras haber conseguido fajas internacionales, europeas y francesas. Su última derrota data de junio de 2011, cuando el danés Mikkel Kessler, le propinó un rotundo nocaut técnico en el sexto asalto. Con posterioridad, el francés consiguió cuatro victorias consecutivas.

//

In its twenty-first season, this Saturday, December 15, Space Combat moves to the German city of Nuremberg, Germany, regarding the international motorsport with Norisring street circuit, to follow an attractive alternative evening boxing . The transmission, with ring side story from the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung Stadium, will begin at 4 pm (ARG / UY / CH) / 2 pm (COL / PE / ECU / PAN) / 1 pm (MEX / CR / GUA) / 2.30 pm (VEN).

In the background of the last fight live event of the year for the channel, will face twelve rounds and World Super Middleweight crown of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champion, Armenian Arthur Abraham nationalized German (35 – 3, 27 KOs), against Frenchman Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs), who will attempt to defend his crown for the first time. There will also be a point of extra interest for Latin America, as the German national Ecuadorian Jack Culcay will be part of the poster.

“King Arthur” Abraham is an old acquaintance of our screen. Comes to dethrone his compatriot Robert Stieglitz unanimous decision last August, when stripped to its rival WBO super middleweight world title now preparing to defend. Previously, in March 2012 he defeated the Polish Piotr Wilczewski, in a haul European title WBO super. And in January of this year we have already seen win by TKO in five rounds to Argentine Pablo “Pokemon” Farias.

Earlier, we saw Armenian Space as credit fell in the semifinals of the Super Six World Boxing Classic. Your participation in this event in 2010 and 2011 would have meant to Abraham only three of his record falls at the hands of American Andre Dirrell, Carl Froch English and American Andre Ward.

Bouadla, meanwhile, No. 14-ranked WBO super, first access to a world title fight, having achieved international bands, European and French. His last loss dates from June 2011, when the Dane Mikkel Kessler, gave him a resounding TKO in the sixth assault. Subsequently, the Frenchman won four straight wins.

Por Juan Manuel Puppo, Prensa Combate Space

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Abraham-Bouadla_el_s_bado_en_Space.php

Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs) has entered the ring in Nuremberg, Germany on two previous occasions. However, the fight against Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs) will be something special. For the first time ever, the prodigy of Coach Ulli Wegner will make his way to the squared circle as the WBO
Super-Middleweight World Champion. Hence, King Arthur is very excited about returning to Franconia.

Arthur Abraham, on August 25 you won an exciting fight against Robert Stieglitz and consequently took over as the reigning WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion. What has changed since then?

Arthur Abraham: I am just more relaxed than before. Of course, my finances have also changed since then. But that is about it. Understandably, I was very relieved once I had that belt around my waist.

Before you moved up a division, you were the IBF Middleweight World Champion. Are you even more motivated than before, now that you won the world title in the heavier division?

Arthur Abraham: Most definitely. My motivation is immense. Everybody would be happy to call themselves a two-division world champion.

Does that effect your preparation in any sort of way?

Arthur Abraham: Your attitude towards training changes. When I was younger, my mind was wandering around. But the more experienced you get, the more focused you become and you start realizing that professional sport is a serious business. I try to keep mistakes to a minimum – and I train a little bit harder each day.

In which areas have you developed yourself in the last months?

Arthur Abraham: You develop on a daily basis in many different aspects such as physically and you become more disciplined. I think that I work even harder than ever before.

You are finally returning to Nuremberg. You have very special memories of the city in Franconia…

Arthur Abraham: That´s correct. During my amateur days, I was part of 1. FC Nürnberg and my coach back then was Uwe Schulz. We had some great times together. In 1997, I became the International Champion of Germany as well as the Bavarian Champion. Those are great memories.

After you turned pro, you had two fights in Nuremberg. The first was in 2003 against Cezary Piotrowski followed by a fight with Howard Eastman two years later…

Arthur Abraham: Back then, I was part of the undercard for a main event. Now I am returning for the first time as the main event of the evening. However, I also have some painful memories of Nuremberg. I cracked my rips during the Eastman fight. That hurt quite a lot and it showed in my performance.

This time you will be facing Mehdi Bouadla. What are your thoughts on him?

Arthur Abraham: Mehdi Bouadla is a real fighter. He is always looking for one-on-one situations. I am hoping to stop him early in order for him not to land as many hard shots in return. Those could be very dangerous.

What are your plans for the future?

Arthur Abraham: First, I want to win on December 15. Once the new year has started, I will start thinking about my next steps. I want to hold on to my title for quite a while!

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2012/arthur-abraham-i-want-to-hold-on-to-my-title-for-a-while/

New WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham will make his first title defense on December 15.

New WBO super middleweight champ Arthur Abraham will return to the ring on December 15 against an opponent to be named, making the first defense of the title he won from Robert Stieglitz on August 25.

Abraham (35-3, 27 KO) has steadied his career after a rocky patch, and finally won a major title in the 168-pound division on his third attempt, previously losing blowout decisions against Carl Froch and Andre Ward with belts on the line.

Now 32, the two-division champion can probably get an extended run under his belt if he intends to stick to a schedule of the non-elite, which will likely be the case.

You can most likely expect a mid-tier challenger in December for Abraham, someone to give him a title defense win to close out the year. But he has had struggles against Stieglitz and Piotr Wilczewski, too – he’s vulnerable, even against the non-elite, so it could get interesting if someone capable is chosen. And that’s not the worst thing, really.

By: Scott Christ

http://www.badlefthook.com/2012/9/27/3420066/arthur-abraham-next-fight-december-15-2012-wbo-title-defense-boxing-news

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

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) anuncia los oficiales que estarán trabajando en el combate por el título mundial de las 168 libras entre el campeón, Robert Stieglitz y el ex monarca mundial Arthur Abraham este sábado, 25 de agosto, en el O2 World Arena en Kreuzberg, Berlín, Alemania, en una presentación de Sport Events Steinforth y Sauerland Events.

El presidente de la OMB, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, informó que para la séptima defensa de Stieglitz (42-2, 23 KOs) del cetro supermediano de esta entidad, ante Abraham (34-3, 27 KOs), quien es el primer clasificado al título, el árbitro será Joe Cortez, de Estados Unidos.

Mientras tanto, los jueces que trabajarán en el combate Stieglitz-Abraham serán el francés Noel Monnet, el estadounidense Roark Young y  el puertorriqueño César Ramos.

El supervisor de la OMB para esta reyerta será el propio presidente de la OMB, Valcárcel.

Recuerden la 25ta Convención Anual y Elecciones de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), que se efectuará del 22 al 26 de octubre de 2012 en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida.

          Para reservaciones en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida, pueden llamar al teléfono 1 800 937-0010 ó verificar en la página del hotel a la dirección www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, así como la página cibernética   www.wboboxing.com.

Por: Aleudi Rosario Cotto

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.

Former IBF world champion Jan Zaveck defends the WBO I/C title against Sherzodbek Alimjanov on August 25 at O2 World Arena in Berlin on the undercard to Robert Stieglitz´ defense of the WBO super middleweight title against Arthur Abraham.

Zaveck and WBO ruler Rober Stieglitz will on Friday (Aug 3) begin final preparations at a gym in Harz located at high altitude. Both are trained by Dirk Dzemski.

By: Per Ake Persson

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=55606#ixzz22KbSdQNr