Arthur Abraham (34-3, 27 KOs) is reaching for a super-middleweight world championship. After two unsuccessful quests – fights against Carl Froch in November 2010 and Andre Ward in May 2011 – he is now aiming to get it right in his third attempt.
In order to get the title, the former middleweight champion who climbed up to number one in the WBO rankings, has to take out the current WBO Champ Robert Stieglitz (42-2, 23 KOs). Coach Ulli Wegner gave his views on the upcoming fight at the o2 World Berlin, Germany.
Mr. Wegner, once again Arthur Abraham has the opportunity of becoming the Super-Middleweight World champion. This time he will fight it out for the WBO Title on August 25. How do you see his chances?
Ulli Wegner: If Arthur puts his full potential on display I have no doubt that he is going to win. But it’s not possible to predict outcomes of any kind of sport related activity. Under normal circumstances Team Sauerland should have another world champion.
Robert Stieglitz is the defending champion. How strong of an opposition is he?
Ulli Wegner: I have nothing but praise for Robert Stieglitz and his attitude and aggressive style of boxing. He makes the best out of his abilities. But Arthur is a level above Stieglitz. If Stieglitz should win on the night he would be a ‘Super Hero’ in my eyes.
What kind of impression has Arthur Abraham made on you during your training sessions?
Ulli Wegner: We started our preparation in Zinnowitz, Germany and he did really well there. Now during the sparring sessions in Kienbaum, Germany he is slowly getting to his best. That is exactly how it is supposed to be in professional sports.
Abraham will be fighting in his home city of Berlin at the o2 World. Will the fans give him extra motivation?
Ulli Wegner: If that doesn’t give him extra motivation he might as well stop right now. He has never been in such a great position of winning a super-middleweight world championship. He only has to grab this opportunity with both hands.
