BOXING: CONFIDENT KING ARTHUR READY TO SAY GOODNIGHT TO GEVOR
Agence France Presse — English
July 24, 2007 Tuesday 3:21 PM GMT
Berlin
IBF middleweight world champion Arthur Abraham vowed on Tuesday to
show total confidence for the fifth defence of his title when he
faces fellow Armenian Khoren Gevor in Berlin on August 18.
"I will always have the correct answers ready," said the 27-year-old.
"If he boxes technically, I will also box also technically.
"If it wants to get into a show of strength, I’ll match him blow
for blow," said the champion ahead of the clash at East Berlin’s
Max-Schmeling Halle.
Although he has German citizenship, Abraham – who has had 18 knock-outs
and won all of his 23 fights – admitted it is a shame his challenger
is a fellow Armenian, although both fighters live in Germany.
"The people of our homeland are sad one of their people must lose,
but that is life," explained Abraham, who said he feels no compassion
for his opponent.
"The IBF federation decided that he is my challenger, therefore their
decision has to be accepted."
Abraham won the vacant IBF title in December 2005 when he beat Kingsley
Ikeke with a fifth round knock-out.
And "King Arthur" defended his title in September 2006 when he won a
points decision against Edison Miranda, despite having his jaw broken
in two places. This will be his first defence since his third round
technical knock-out win over Canadian Sebastian Demers in May.