10.12.05 – Undefeated former European (EBA) Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham, in front of 3.500 people plus millions of viewers on live TV coverage by ARD “das erste”, won the vacant IBF Middleweight Crown by KO in the 5th round over his Canadian challenger Kingsley Ikeke (23-2-0/13KOs) last night in Lepzig, Germany. Abraham started the fight with his usual strategy: left punches to the body, then coming over his opponent’s lowered guard with hard rights to the head.. Ikeke’s main weapon was his long jab but it was never a factor from the beginning, always meeting Abraham’s strong defense. Ikeke expected a body attack, but Arthur feinted connecting again and again with hard shots to Ikeke’s head.
Abraham cleary dominated the whole fight. In round three, he sent an ironical smile at his opponent after a successful combination, and in the fourth, he dropped his fists after Ikeke tried to provoke him. “He said to me, I should have a go at it,” said the champion later at the press conference. “And then I took my fists down, in order to show him ‘come on if you are so courageous.’ That was his psychological ploy. I wanted to show him that he cannot impress me….”
In round five the fight was over (1:46 min.) Arthur hammered Ikeke´s head with a very strong left. The Canadian fighter staggered toward the ropes, and Arthur set after him with a final series of rights. In a classic knockout, Ikeke sunk to the ground and Abraham was the new IBF Middlweight Champion.
“He is a very strong fighter and earned the win,” said Ikeke after the fight. “I had naturally visualized something else. The punch surprised me, but up until then I saw myself even….” Despite Ikeke’s statement all three judges saw it differently – having Arthur in front on all score cards.
After the Cfight Abraham and his trainer Ulli Wegner were overcome with emotions in the ring. Artur said then: “I have always dreamed of becoming World champion. Today my childhood dream came true. I am the happiest person in the world. These four-and-a-half rounds were the wages for four months of hard work. I want to thank the people who were so important to me on this success, my trainer Ulli Wegner and my manager Wilfried Sauerland.”
Mr. Wilfried Sauerland, President of Sauerland Events GmbH indicated there could be a exciting future for Arthur. “Naturally our center is Germany, but why not, for example while the World Cup is running, to have Arthur box in the USA? Of course, the most interesting fight for our public here in Germany would be Arthur against Felix Sturm” Mr. Sauerland said. “Sturm gives very self-confident interviews – perhaps he dares….”
We will see what happens next, however it is true that a new Boxing star has raised in Europe: ARTUR ABRAHAM !!
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