Kessler media work-out
Pictures and quotes of the "Viking Warrior" at the Hayemaker-Gym
Tickets on sale
Karo Murat challenges IBF Champion Bernard Hopkins on July 13 in New York
Abraham new WBO Champion

Abraham (right) captures WBO title (Credit: Photo Wende)
“Abrahammer” wins, against all expectations, on points
He did it: Arthur Abraham is the first prodigy of coach Ulli Wegner to become a two-division world champion. In a spectacular fight, the former IBF Middleweight Champion snatched the super-middleweight belt of his opponent Robert Stieglitz. And to the surprise of most experts, the known hard hitter did not win by knock-out but by a unanimous points decision.
On Saturday night at the o2 World Berlin, Germany, Abraham did not just put in boxing abilities on display but he also did not show any sign of his typical inactivity, which he has been criticised for during his recent fights. Right from the outset, he put his stamp on this bout and proved to everyone that the arena was his backyard. The 32-year-old dominated the fight in the first round by mostly using his jab and keeping his foe at bay.
Therefore, it was Stieglitz who seemed to be applying a "wait and see" tactic. After a wake up call by coach Dirk Dzemski, Stieglitz took advantage of his opportunity in round two and smothered the mandatory with great combinations. They did not always hit the target but they kept Abraham busy defending. Round three was not different but both fighters seemed to be on an equal playing field.
In round four Abraham seemed to have adjusted to the offensive strategy of Stieglitz. He started to anticipate his punches and managed to land counter attacks. A lovely combination of shots to the body and head was followed by two straight rights causing a cut above the eye of the 31-year-old man from Magdeburg, Germany. At this point most of the 10.100 fans at the Arena were expecting to see a KO victory by the "Abrahammer" who seemingly felt his opponent being impressed by him.
But the 1,80 meter tall Stieglitz was not willing to give in and kept looking for a way through the defense of his hard hitting enemy.
Nevertheless, his efforts did not really cause any troubles for Abraham, who even smiled at him during one of his attacks. Abraham then demonstrated how it should be done. Therefore, the Team Sauerland boxer impressed the crowd by throwing left hooks and straight rights at his opponent.
Nothing changed during the coming rounds. Stieglitz kept on punching without being able to break down Abraham's guard who in return kept on scoring by using his Jab. After a flourish of big blows, Stieglitz was getting into trouble when his left eye starting swelling with his sight consequently being impaired. Abraham took full advantage and surprised his opponent time after time with hard knocks to the head. As a result, ring doctor Professor Dr. Walter Wagner had to inspect the cuts of the 31-year-old but gave his clearance for the fight to continue.
After twelve rounds the judges scored the bout with 116:112, 116:112 and
115:113 in favor of the new champion Abraham.
"It´s such an emotional moment for me right now and I can't really describe it," said a touched Abraham right after the fight. "I worked hard and concentrated throughout the preparations for this chance and I boxed smart - that's the secret of this victory."
Stieglitz proved his sportsmanship by being a fair loser. "I have made a lot of mistakes today and from round seven onwards I wasn't able to see properly through my left eye. Nevertheless, I continued fighting but it just wasn't meant to be."
This was the 35th victory out of 38 fights for Abraham. In contrary, Stieglitz suffered his third loss as a professional.

- Links:
More News here!









