(Picture: Team Sauerland) King Arthur Abraham (32-3, 26 KOs) has promised to make a spectacular comeback on Saturday night when he takes on Argentinian Pablo Farias (19-1, 11 KOs) in front of a sell-out crowd at the Baden Arena in Offenburg, Germany.
“I will start the year with a victory and also end the year with a victory,” the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) Middleweight Champion said at today´s final press conference. “I am determined to be world champion again in 2012.”
Ulli Wegner believes Abraham will make a winning return. “Arthur has worked hard in the preparation,” the German coaching legend said. “He will be in top shape on Saturday night. He needs to bounce back with a convincing performance.”
Meanwhile, Farias is convinced he can pull off an upset on Saturday night. “It is my dream to win the world title and defeating Abraham will be the next step on my way to the top,” he stated. “Abraham is a big fighter, but I am here to win.”
In the co-featured main event, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super-Middleweight Champion Robert Stieglitz (40-2, 23 KOs) will defend his title against up-and-coming Henry Weber (15-0-1, 3 KOs). “I am really looking forward to this fight,” Weber said.
“I have everything to win and nothing to lose.” Replied Stieglitz: “I will not under-estimate Weber. I am here to take care of business.”
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS
January 11, 2012 – Mexico City.
From WBC President Dr. José Sulaimán:
The World Boxing Council sends our sincere condolences to Eric Gomez and his family for the passing away of his father. Eric, the matchmaker for Golden Boy Promotions, is a dear friend of ours and we hope that almighty God will bring prompt resignation to such a profound sorrow.
See first 2012 referee controversy on Boxing Channel
Heredia, Costa Rica – January 7, 2012 – The well fought but controversial World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Middleweight Title match between Hanna Gabriels and Dakota Stone, televised live on Boxing Channel, on Saturday, Jan 7, is now available again for viewing. To see the fight and it’s controversial finish, go to Boxing Channel.
Gabriel’s successfully defended her crown with an 8th round TKO win, but the stoppage by referee Geno Rodriguez created an uproar.
Hall of Famer Boxing Announcer Al Bernstein, who called the fight on the Boxing Channel, called it “the most bizarre stoppage I’ve seen in years”. The pro-Gabriels crowd at the Palacio de los Deportes in Costa Rica, even booed the decision by Rodriguez to stop the fight. 2011 was a year riddled with controversial refereeing, this incident starts off 2012 in the same vein.
The 28 year old Gabriels, a charismatic champion, was well ahead in the fight , but Stone, coming in off a win over Christy Martin, had won round 7 on two of the judges scorecards.The action was intense, and after a flurry landed by Gabriels, referee Rodriguez stepped in to stop it. Neither woman had been down in the fight.
The entire match can be seen in the Let’s go to the Fight section at Boxing Channel.
SHOWTIME ShoBox – February 3 – Herrera vs. Cote postponed
Orange, California (January 12) – The February 3rd SHOWTIME series “ShoBox: The New Generation” main event scheduled to take place in Quebec City has been postponed until further notice due to the unknown illness of Pier-Olivier.
The undefeated IBF 140 pound Intercontinental champion Pier-Olivier Cote was given direct orders from his doctor that he must immediately cease from training for his February 3 match up against International Boxing Federation (IBF) World #6 rated 140 lbs boxer Mauricio Herrera in order to receive a battery of tests to determine his illness.
Upon hearing the news of the health concerns of his opponent Mauricio Herrera had this to say, “While I am disappointed to learn that my fight has been postponed, I am more concerned and wishing the best for my fellow opponent. I wish him a full recovery from his ailments and hope that we will be able to meet in the ring soon. Health is priority in this life and I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Thompson Boxing Promotions awaits updates from Interbox (Cote’s promoter) on the fighter’s physical health and to reschedule the event.