Arthur Abraham (42-4, 28 KOs) retained his WBO 168 lbs title in his rematch with Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KOs). This time around, he won the fight more cleanly and took home a just unanimous decision with scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111. He made the 8,000 spectators at the o2 World Berlin quite happy, and cleared himself up for a potential fight against Felix Sturm.
Smith, like fellow Brit Martin Murray on the same evening, displayed plenty of heart and toughness but was outmatched.
Arthur Abraham: “Smith was better today than he was six months ago, but I also had a stronger performance than last fight. It was a tough fight, as he put away my best punches and everything I tried until the last minute.”
Although Smith never gave up and fought until the final bell, the Liverpool man had no lingering doubts about which man was the victor in this match.
Paul Smith: “Arthur tonight was simply the better boxer I’ve tried everything, but Abraham showed why he’s the world champion.”
Abraham has said that he wants wither Felix Sturm, or yet again, Robert Stieglitz. “Robert Stieglitz or Felix Sturm – with SAT.1 now anything is possible.”
