SECONDSOUT TEAM PICK ABRAHAM VS. MARQUEZ

World Boxing News
Fri 3-Oct-2008 22:58

It is the power and fury of the Armenia up against the skills and
toughness of the experienced Mexican American, but that hasn’t stopped
SecondsOut’s team of fearless writers from making their confident
picks for Saturday night’s IBF middleweight world title boxing match
between champion Arthur Abraham and challenger Raul Marquez at the
Jako Arena in Bayern, Germany.

"Give Marquez credit for getting this title shot. It’s been over ten
years since the former Olympian and Houston native briefly reigned
as IBF 154lbs champion, and at times I wondered if he was even still
active. However, since a loss to Jermain Taylor in 2004, Marquez
has gone 7-0-1 and upset Giovanni Lorenzo in an IBF eliminator to
get this payday with Abraham. And a payday is what it will be as
Abraham, who is a very good fighter fighting at home, busts up and
stops Marquez. Abraham W.TKO.5."

– Gregory Juckett, Content Editor

"Abraham does not get the respect in the USA he deserves. The Armenian
should be fighting a thriller with Kelly Pavlik, not marking time
against Marquez. Abraham knocks the veteran out. Abraham W.KO.4."

– Paul Upham, Content Editor

"I expect Marquez to be hungry and brave this Saturday, but to say he
is up against it is an understatement. Abraham is deliberate, powerful
and extremely accurate with his punching – waiting for the right moment
to attack and making sure he damages his opponent with each menacing
shot or outburst of offense. I expect Abraham to land progressively
more punches against a busy and game opponent through the first half
of the fight and I just can’t see Marquez’ grit and bullish nature
trumping the class, skill and power of Abraham. Abraham W.TKO.7."

– Michael Norby

"Both these guys can fight, no question, and both are riding high after
impressive wins, but Abraham is nine years younger and nine years
less battle worn. Against Miranda, last time out, Abraham displayed
power and speed as well as fine defensive skills against the once
promising Columbian. Gutsy Marquez looked more like the loser at
the end against Lorenzo because he tends to swell and bleed, but his
experience and skill were too much for his young opponent. It won’t
be enough when he is stopped after being battered to the canvas and
cut up by the seventh round. Abraham W.TKO.7."

– Jerry Glick

"I’ve always questioned Marquez’ defense, but he deserved credit for
his successful comeback. The champ will punish the bleeding warrior
most of the way imposing his strength and work rate. Abraham W.TKO.9."

– Juan Pablo Manfredi

"I personally hold Arthur Abraham in the highest regard and would
love to see him matched against Kelly Pavlik in what would be an
extraordinary fight (hope I’ve not jinxed him there). I think he
has too much power for Marquez, and although it won’t be spectacular
early on, he can wear Marquez down and finish him late on. Abraham
by Late Stoppage."

– Craig Phillips

"When Marquez defeated the over-protected Giovanni Lorenzo he deserved
all the accolades that fell on him. A solid professional, who has long
been regarded as one of boxing’s good guys, had returned from a Jermain
Taylor induced retirement all the way to a title shot. Unfortunately,
that title belongs to Abraham. Marquez will be game, but will need
to be saved in the mid-rounds. Abraham W.TKO.6."

– Jason Pribila

"If this was The Sixth Sense, I too would see dead people. Well, at
least one. Raul Marquez is a likable fighter who should be remembered
for his overlooked classic battles with Keith Mullings and Yory Boy
Campas. I was glad to see him outfox Giovanni Lorenzo the last time
out, but against a primed champion like Arthur Abraham, Marquez’
experience is not an asset; it’s simply wear and tear. Abraham has
every possible advantage and will be the strongest and most physically
imposing opponent Marquez will have ever faced. If Marquez is lucky,
he will get blown out early. I expect him to be tough though and
try to hang around for a few more rounds. Anyway you slice it this
one ends up bloody and painful for the former junior middleweight
champion. Abraham bruises Marquez’ face up, cuts him, and drops him
for a seventh round knockout. Abraham W.KO.7."

– Derek Bonnett

"This one is an interesting fight. Marquez has looked pretty good
lately, proving many a naysayer wrong in the process. Abraham is no
slouch, though, and he probably should be a more popular fighter
than he already is (at least in America). With that said, I like
Abraham’s work ethic inside the ring and his punching power should
cause Marquez some trouble. Marquez will cut up early and that will
hamper his offense. I like Abraham to win, probably via late stoppage
thanks mostly to the cuts. Abraham by Late Stoppage."

– Mike Sloan

"Marquez might give Abraham some things to think about in the earlier
part of the fight, but Abraham just has too many advantages in this
fight. Expect Abraham’s superior size, strength and power to take
over by the middle rounds en route to a stoppage. Abraham W.TKO.7."

– John Lumpkin

Total:

ARTHUR ABRAHAM = 10

RAUL MARQUEZ = 0