By Chris Cella
Live tomorrow from the GETEC Arena in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, two of the super middleweight’s top ten ranked fighters will put it all on the line for the WBO title. Reigning champion Arthur Abraham (36-3, 28 KO) will look to defend his belt against Robert Stieglitz (43-3, 24 KO) in a rematch of their action-packed battle last August.
When the two German pugilists met this past summer, Abraham defeated Stieglitz by a narrow margin to take away the WBO super middleweight belt, and has since successfully defended his title. In the first 12 rounds of this matchup both fighters fought a hard-nosed war, and at times it seemed the fight was up for grabs. Abraham is adamant about leaving no doubt that he is the true champion when he steps between the ropes tomorrow night.
“We won the first fight and consequently took the world championship,” said Abraham.
“Now it´s time for the rematch and we have a clear goal. We have to destroy him and we will do everything we can to reach our goal which showed during our preparations. We have a lot of respect for our opponents but once we step into the ring I have to destroy him, no question.”
Stieglitz originally won the WBO title in 2009 and defended his belt six times before relinquishing it to Abraham eight months ago. In the first meeting he struggled with his timing and to get off first, and as a result lost his title. Tomorrow it can be expected for him to come out more aggressively and take what he feels is rightfully his.
“I am in great shape and want to take revenge,” said Stieglitz. “There is a reason why I was the world champion for more than two years and I want the crown back. It was a close decision (the first fight). I am excited to be fighting in Magdeburg. The fans will help me to take revenge and I am looking forward to that.”
To add to the excitement of the super middleweight showdown, it was also announced undefeated super middleweight George Groves (17-0, 13 KO) will throw hands with veteran Baker Barakat (37-13-4, 25 KO).
As the 24-year-old Groves is anxious to make a name for himself on an international level and earn the fights against the big names within the division, he will need to put on an impressive performance against the journeyman Barakat.