Arthur Abraham (41-4, 28 KOs) has vowed to show Paul Smith (35-4, 20 KOs) no mercy in their WBO World Super-Middleweight Championship rematch at the O2 World in Berlin on February 21.
The Berlin-boxer, who was left bemused by the English media’s reaction to their first fight, is ready to leave the decision in no doubt this time, claiming: ”Smith will not hear the final bell!”
‘’I want to make it clear once and for all who the champion is here,’’ said Abraham. ‘’Paul Smith fought well in our last fight, but I was better. As a television commentator, Smith is world-class, but as a boxer he is not on my level!
‘’I don’t understand why the English media spoke about a miscarriage of justice. I don’t select the judges, and neither do my promoters. However this time, I will relieve the judges of their responsibility. There will be no doubt; I will show no mercy and Smith will not hear the final bell!’’
If any additional motivation is needed for the German champion, it comes in the form of a potential mouth-watering domestic clash with long-time rival Felix Sturm.
‘’I have dreamt of a fight against Felix Sturm for many years,’’ said the 34-year-old. ‘’That would be a huge event in Germany. It has not been possible in the past due to conflicting television partners, but with Team Sauerland’s new cooperation with Sat.1, that dream could soon become a reality. But first, I must defeat Paul Smith on February 21 at the O2 World in Berlin.’’
Judgement Day: Abraham vs. Smith II is available to watch live on Sat.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK. British heavyweight star David Price (18-2, 15 KOs) is also in action, he takes on Irineu Beato Costa Junior (16-2, 14 KOs), while rising German star Enrico Koelling (16-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title against Mirco Ricci (13-2, 4 KOs).
