History repeats itself as Arthur Abraham (42-4, 28 KO’s) defeats Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s), to retain the WBO super middleweight title via unanimous decision in the rematch of their September title fight
Paul Smith began the fight with a lot of activity while Abraham seemed content to sit back and keep his guard up. The action seemed to even out in the second round before settling back into the pattern of a more active Smith punching the guard of Abraham while Abraham picked his spots with slightly more effective results.
The fight took shape in the fourth round, as Abraham began to find a home for his jab between Smith’s guard. He then followed up the work with some flurries of punches that had Smith reeling against the ropes. As the rounds continued, it became clear that Abraham was going to be too strong for Price.
Smith gave his fans some hope in the sixth after he ripped a nasty body shot that seemed to freeze Abraham in his tracks for the final minute of the round. Smith tried to capitalize but again, Abraham’s tight guard handled the pressure, and he coasted through the rest of the round unscathed.
From this point on, it was all Abraham. He controlled the pace and did more consistent damage throughout the second half of the fight. Smith showed plenty of heart and never shied away from the action, but he became increasingly ineffective as the rounds wore on. In the twelfth round, Smith did everything he could, but by that point the fight was already decided.
Final judges scorecards: (116-112) (117-111) (117-111) all in favor of Arthur Abraham over Paul Smith.
David Price Knocks Out Irineu Beato Costa Junior In Sixth
David Price (19-2, 16 KO’s) defeats Irineu Beato Costa Junior (16-3, 14 KO’s) by way of knockout in the sixth round of their scheduled 10 round fight.
Price controlled the fight with his jab during the opening rounds. As the fight progressed, Costa began to open up with more regularity. As it became clear that Price would be able to cruise to a points win, he was able to drop Costa with a combination in the sixth. After two more knockdowns in the round, Costa’s corner had seen, enough and the fight was stopped.
