TalkingBoxing News
Arthur Abraham Stops Ikeke, Wins IBF Title
SUN December 11 - Undefeated former European (EBA) Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham won last night the vacant IBF Middleweight Crown by KO on 5th round over his Canadian challenger Kingsley Ikeke (23-2-0/13KOs) in Lepzig, Germany, in front of 3.500 people plus some other millions of viewers on live TV coverage by ARD "das erste".
Abraham started the Championship with his usual Boxing strategy: left punches to the body, then coming over his opponent's lowered guard with hard rights to the head. Ikeke's main weapon was his long jab but it was never a factor from the beginning, meeting always Abraham's strong defense. Ikeke expected a body attack, but Arthur feinted connecting again and again with hard shots to Ikeke's head.
Abraham dominated clear the whole fight. In round three, he sent an ironical smile at his opponent after a successful combination, and in the fourth, he dropped his fists after Ikeke tried to provoke him. "He said to me, I should have a go at it," said the champion later at the press conference. "And then I took down my fists, in order to show him 'come on if you are so courageous.' That was his psychological ploy. I wanted to show him that he cannot impress me...."
In round five the fight was over (1:46 min.) Arthur hammered Ikeke´s head with a very strong left. The Canadian fighter staggered toward the ropes, and Arthur set after him with a final series of rights. In a classic knockout, Ikeke sunk to the ground and Abraham was the new IBF Middlweight Champion.
"He is a very strong fighter and earned the win," said Ikeke after the fight. "I had naturally visualized something else. The punch surprised me, but up until then I saw myself even...." Despite this Ikeke's statement all three judges saw it differently - having Arthur in front on all scoring cards.
After the Championship Abraham and his trainer Ulli Wegner were overcome with emotion in the ring. Artur said then: "I have always dreamed of becoming World champion. Today my childhood dream came true. I am the happiest person in the world. These four-and-a-half rounds were the wages for four months of hard work. I want to thank the people who were so important to me on this success, my trainer Ulli Wegner and my manager Wilfried Sauerland."
Mr. Wilfried Sauerland, President of Sauerland Events GmbH indicated there could be some exciting future for Arthur. "Naturally our center is Germany, but why not, for example while the World Cup is running, to have Arthur box in the USA? Of course, the most interesting fight for our public here in Germany would be Arthur against Felix Sturm" Mr. Sauerland said. "Sturm gives very self-confident interviews - perhaps he dares...."
We will see what happen next, however it is true that a new Boxing star has raised in Europe: ARTUR ABRAHAM !!
Matthysse Moves to 24-0 with TKO of Tolliver
SUN December 11 - Golden Boy Promotions’ latest signee, Argentina’s Walter Dario Matthysse, made quite an impression in his United States debut Thursday night at the 4th and B Club, stopping well-regarded Xavier Tolliver in a single round.
“Matthysse was explosive and this is the type of performance we knew he would deliver after scouting him over the last year,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. “The welterweight division has a new star, and we’re ready for all comers.”
The end came at 2:27 of the opening round, with a devastating right hand from the 27-year-old Matthysse sending Tolliver crashing to the canvas.
Said the classy Tolliver after the fight: “He was strong; he caught me with a good shot and he is the better fighter tonight.”
Santa Fe’s Matthysse (24-0 with 23 KOs), has not gone the distance since his fourth pro bout in 2003, a streak of 20 wins and one no-contest. He is currently ranked second in the world by the WBO, sixth by the IBF, and seventh by the WBA, and is expected to be back in action in early 2006.
For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, please visit our website at www.goldenboypromotions.com
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