‘King’ Arthur Abraham (44-5, 29 KOs) faces Scandinavian star Tim-Robin Lihaug (15-1, 8 KOs) on July 16 at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany. Abraham returns for the first time following his defeat to Gilberto Ramirez, and the former three-time World Champion is eager to get back on the World title trail starting with a victory against the 23 year-old Norwegian.
‘’My goal is to become World Champion again and I will not let anyone stand in my way,’’ said Abraham. ‘’Tim-Robin Lihaug is a good, young fighter but he will learn the hard way what it takes to make it to the top.
‘’I never underestimate any of my opponents and I will prepare myself to be in top shape. I want to put the disappointment of losing to Ramirez behind me and prove I still have more to give. I’m looking to the future now and that starts with a good win on July 16.’’
Lihaug lands a dream fight with the German star following a series of impressive performances, which have included one-sided victories over previously undefeated domestic rivals Simen Smaadal and Arne Ernstsen.
‘’I’m very excited about this opportunity,’’ said Lihaug. ‘’Abraham has been a great champion for many years, but I wouldn’t have taken this fight if I didn’t think I could win. He is beatable and I’m coming to Berlin to win.
The Norwegian fighter believes his age and desire could prove the decisive factor in their super middleweight clash. ‘’Abraham is 36 years-old and has already won a lot of titles and made a lot of money, whereas I’m a young, hungry fighter, and I think that will give me an advantage,’’ he says.
‘’This is like a World title fight to me, it means everything. I’ve been in training camp since the beginning of January and I will be in the best shape of my life on July 16. I want to prove myself and there is no better way of doing that than by beating Abraham.’’
‘’This match-up has all the ingredients of a great fight,’’ said promoter Kalle Sauerland. ‘’In one corner we have Arthur Abraham, one of the most successful German boxers in recent history, and in the other Tim-Robin Lihaug, one of our emerging stars from Scandinavia. Both men are at very different stages in their careers, but both men want the same thing – a shot at the World title!
‘’Arthur is aware he cannot afford another defeat, and Tim knows a victory can catapult him into international stardom. There is a lot on the line and there can be only one winner. This is guaranteed to be a fascinating match-up!’’
