Arthur Abraham (42-4, 28 KOs) has vowed to bring an end to his feud with domestic rival Robert Stieglitz (47-4-1, 27 KOs) when the German super-middleweights contest the WBO World title for a fourth time on July 18 at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle.
The fighters began their now familiar pre-fight routine with a kick-off press conference today, in which the reigning champion promised to provide a conclusive finish to their long-standing rivalry.
“Four fights with Robert is enough for me,” declared Abraham. “Of course, victory is always the most important thing, but on July 18, I don’t just want to win, I want to win decisively and prove once and for all that I am the better man!”
Abraham holds the advantage, having triumphed in two of their three previous encounters, but while ‘King Arthur’ eyes a conclusive third victory, Stieglitz aims to settle the score with a second win over the Berlin-based boxer.
“I have analysed all three of our fights in detail,” reveals Stieglitz. “With the right tactical adjustments, I have no doubt that this time I will be victorious!”
Ahead of their anticipated fourth encounter, Abraham’s coach Ulli Wegner has compared July 18’s battle with Germany’s most heated soccer rivalry.
“This is ‘Der Klassiker’,’” declared the 73-year-old. “The Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund of German boxing, just like Munich vs. Dortmund, this great rivalry always promises excitement! Arthur must enter the ring in top condition or risk losing his position at the top of the super middleweight division.’’
Stieglitz’s coach Dirk Dzemski shares Wegner’s excitement, predicting a “spectacular fight’’ at the Gerry Weber Stadium.
“This fight will be on a knife’s edge,” said Dzemski. “Both boxers know how hard it will be to beat the other and fans can look forward to a spectacular fight. Arthur had better be well prepared because we’re ready for it!”
Tickets for the ‘Final Showdown’ Abraham vs. Stieglitz IV are available by calling the Gerry Weber Ticket Centre on (+49) 5201 81 80 or online via www.gerryweber-world.de and www.tickethall.de. All the action will be shown live on SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.
