Abraham: “I just have to win – there is no way around it!”
Arthur Abraham’s (34-3, 27 KOs) big night is getting closer. On August 25 he will take on the reigning WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion Robert Stieglitz (42-2, 23 KOs) at the o2 World Berlin, Germany. After several setbacks in the past many experts believe that this could be his last chance to fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion in this division. The 32-year-old is currently in Kienbaum, Germany to find the perfect setup for the fight night but took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions.
Mr. Abraham, your last fight against Piotr Wilczewski ended in a convincing points decision in your favor. What do you take out of that fight and into your next challenge on August 25?
Arthur Abraham: I learnt that I have to throw a lot more punches and not to give my opponent as much time to recover. I also want to improve my footwork and be more agile. I should probably use my left hand more often too.
Your next foe is the current WBO Super-Middleweight Champion Robert Stieglitz. What makes him so dangerous?
Arthur Abraham: Robert is a complete boxer. He throws a huge amount of punches with his right as well as his left hand. He also possesses a lot of speed. I know that I have to be really careful when I am in the ring with him.
There is a lot of talk in the media that you are currently in an “all or nothing”-situation. Is this an accurate observation and if so how do you handle the extra amount of pressure on your shoulders?
Arthur Abraham: It definitely is that sort of fight for me. I just have to win – there is no way around it. The pressure on me is huge and I have to deal with that. But I believe, that I have gained an enormous amount of experience over the last years and that will help me.
Back in 2009 at the beginning of the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament you went up a division from middleweight to super-middleweight. What is the difference between these two divisions?
Arthur Abraham: The obvious difference is the size of my opponents. At middleweight all of my foes were a lot smaller. After I moved up a division I suddenly have to deal with guys who possess a greater reach and are physically a lot stronger than the middleweights.
What does the future hold for Arthur Abraham? What are your goals for the coming years?
Arthur Abraham: First of all I want to win the world championship on August 25. After that I am planning to defend my title a few times. After my 35th birthday I may start thinking of retirement from boxing.
What is your prediction for your fight against Robert Stieglitz?
Arthur Abraham: I am going to win the fight in convincing style, not only for myself but for all my fans out there. Obviously, it is hard to make any sort of predictions when it comes to boxing but my coach and I have been working on the best strategy possible to ensure that I will be victorious.
