Arthur Abraham
Arthur Abraham Ավետիք Աբրահամյան | |
---|---|
Abraham in 2010 | |
Statistics | |
Real name | Avetik Abrahamyan |
Nickname(s) |
|
Rated at | |
Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1] |
Reach | 183 cm (72 in) |
Nationality |
|
Born |
Yerevan, Armenian SSR, Soviet Union (now Armenia) | 20 February 1980
Stance | Orthodox |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 50 |
Wins | 45 |
Wins by KO | 30 |
Losses | 5 |
Arthur Abraham (born Avetik Abrahamyan on 20 February 1980; Armenian: Ավետիք Աբրահամյան) is an Armenian-German professional boxer. He is a former two-weight world champion, having held the IBF middleweight title from 2005 to 2009 (his ten successful defenses being the fourth most in middleweight history); and the WBO super-middleweight title twice, from 2012 to 2016.
Early life
Arthur Abraham was born in Yerevan, Armenian SSR, Soviet Union on 20 February 1980 to parents Grigor and Sylvia Abrahamyan.[2] He moved to Germany with his parents and brothers in 1995 at the age of 15. As a teenager, Abraham showed an interest in cycling; he became the North Bavarian and Franconian Youth Champion. However, after watching an exciting Mike Tyson fight, Arthur was inspired by Tyson's intensity and wanted to become a boxing star too. In 1999, Arthur and his brothers returned to Armenia for military service. After 2002, all the brothers had finished their military service and returned to Germany in 2003.
Amateur career
Abraham boxed as an amateur in Bamberg and later in Nuremberg. He was an International Junior Welterweight German Champion in 1997 and a three time Senior Light Middleweight Armenian Champion in 2000, 2001 and 2002. His final amateur record was 81-3-6 (48 KO).
In 2003, Arthur and Alexander competed alongside promoter and manager Wilfried Sauerland and his head coach Ulli Wegner. Arthur was a sparring partner for IBF and WBA Super Middleweight Champion Sven Ottke, whom was in the preparations of a title defense. Wegner was so impressed that he began to train Arthur personally.
Professional career
Middleweight
Early career
Abraham started his professional career on August 16, 2003, being promoted by HyeFighters. Sauerland-promoted Abraham had many impressive early victories. He defeated Canadian southpaw Ian Gardner (18–1) for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental Middleweight title, Hector Velazco (former WBO Champion) and contender Nader Hamdan (36–1).
In July 2005, Abraham defended his WBA Inter-Continental title against the highly regarded Briton Howard Eastman. Eastman had previously only lost to American William Joppy and former Undisputed Middleweight Champion Bernard Hopkins.
IBF middleweight champion
On 10 December 2005, in Leipzig, Germany, Abraham won the vacant IBF Middleweight title against Kingsley Ikeke (23-1, 13 KOs) by a 5th round knock-out. The IBF belt had previously been vacated by undisputed champion Jermain Taylor after a bout with Abraham was denied in October that year. In the fifth round, Arthur met Ikeke with hard shot to the head. Ikeke began to tumble toward the canvas and Abraham landed some final rights to seal the victory.[3]
Abraham defended his title on 5 March 2006 with a unanimous decision against Australian Shannan Taylor. Two months later, Abraham won a second title defense against Kofi Jantuah, also on points.[4]
On 23 September 2006, Abraham won a decision against undefeated contender Edison Miranda despite having his jaw broken in two places in round four. Miranda took advantage of this by fighting dirty. Miranda was docked five points for landing repeated low blows as well as intentionally headbutting Abraham. However, even without the five points deducted, Abraham would have still won the fight (final result: 114:109, 115:109, 116:109). Abraham's jaw was operated on the night after the fight. He had 22 screws inserted into two titanium plates. After the Miranda bout, Arthur was praised for his ability to finish the fight despite his injury.
Abraham defeated Canadian Sébastien Demers by KO in the third round after two minutes and fifty-seven seconds. Abraham was clearly physically superior than his opponent. Arthur won his fifth title defense by defeating fellow Armenian Khoren Gevor by 11th round knockout from a powerful left hook.
On 8 December 2007, Abraham defeated Wayne Elcock to make his sixth title defense by technical knockout in the 5th round.
During two of his matches, Arthur Abraham was accompanied by live performances of the Scorpions and is currently accompanied by the track "Ready For The Fight" by The Young Punx.
On 29 March 2008, Abraham defeated American Elvin Ayala via 12th round KO after connecting with a devastating left hook that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas face first. This was Abraham's 7th successful title defence.
Abraham-Miranda II
On 21 June 2008, the fight took place at a catchweight of 166 lbs. Abraham's IBF Middleweight title was not on the line. Abraham immediately backed Miranda up with hard right jabs before backing off himself behind a high, tight guard. A Miranda right hand landed off the gloves of Abraham as he came out more measured than he had the first time around. Abraham set in to work the body but a stray shot brought a low blow warning from the referee. Miranda made the fight throughout the second round as Abraham did little in the way of punching. Thudding body shots landed on Abraham, but Miranda could get little past the gloves upstairs. A low blow landed from Miranda in the final thirty seconds that brought a brief halt to the action; Abraham calmly caught his breath before returning to his defensive posture.
Abraham waved Miranda forward after another barrage of shots bounced off his gloves before landing two body shots and a hard right hand for his best work of the bout. Miranda drew a warning for holding and hitting before another right hand from Abraham buckled his knees. Abraham stepped back rather than following up, choosing to maintain a methodical game plan. The game plan was sound. In the first minute of the fourth round, a perfectly timed right hand-left hook sent Miranda to the floor. Miranda rose, clearly hurt, and this time Abraham would not fail to press the advantage.
Another left hook would drop Miranda along the ropes and Miranda would again rise but his legs were clearly gone and the end was at hand. Abraham would land a final striking right hand for the round's third knockdown as the referee leapt in to halt the action before Miranda could attempt to rise again.[5]
Abraham vs. Marquez
On 8 November 2008, Abraham defeated Raúl Márquez (41–4–1, 29 KOs), 37, by a 6th round technical knockout, at the Bamberg's Jako Arena, the 8th defense of his IBF Middleweight boxing title.[6][7]
He retained his IBF title on 14 March 2009 against Lajuan Simon, his first fight over 12 rounds since his legendary battle against Edison Miranda. The 10th and last defense of his middleweight title took place in Berlin against Turkish-German boxer Mahir Oral. Abraham won this fight by a 10th round technical knockout. Oral's coach threw in the towel after several knockdowns.
Super-Middleweight
Super Six
After failing to secure a match-up with WBO and WBC Champion Kelly Pavlik or WBA Champion Felix Sturm, Arthur announced that he would change his weight class to compete at super middleweight. Abraham participated in the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament for the WBA and WBC Super Middleweight titles. Fellow participants were: WBA Champion Mikkel Kessler, WBC Champion Carl Froch, Andre Dirrell, Andre Ward and Jermain Taylor.
In his first match of the tournament, Abraham faced Jermain Taylor on 17 October 2009. Arthur was previously supposed to fight Taylor for the undisputed middleweight title, but the fight fell through. Abraham defeated Taylor via a devastating knockout in the 12th round. Taylor was hospitalized with a severe concussion, suffering short term memory loss, unable to remember details of this bout. Taylor was replaced with veteran Allan Green in the tournament. After being released from the hospital, Taylor released a statement saying that he's doing just fine and wanted to congratulate Abraham on his victory and wish him well in the tournament.[8] Former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson was in attendance and was impressed by Abraham's intensity and determination.[9]
As of the end of 2009, The Ring has ranked Abraham as the 14th best boxer in the world.[10] On 5 March 2010, Abraham was ranked #8 in the world by Yahoo! Sports.[11]
On 27 March 2010, Arthur lost his next fight by disqualification due to hitting Andre Dirrell after he slipped in the 11th round. At the point of the disqualification, the scores were 97–92, 98–91 and 97–92 all in favor of Dirrell.[12]
On 27 November 2010, Abraham lost to Carl Froch in his third fight of the tournament, which was also for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight title. Abraham was dominated from start to finish, losing by a unanimous decision. The scores given by the judges were 119–109, 120–108 and 120–108, which reflected the one-sided nature of the bout.[13]
Abraham qualified for the semifinals, having one win out of three fights. But first, Arthur had a pre-fight with Croatian contender Stjepan Božić. Abraham won by technical knockout in the second round due to an injury in Božić's hand. On 14 May 2011, Abraham faced undefeated American Andre Ward in the Super Six semifinals for the WBA Super Middleweight title. Abraham lost by unanimous decision. Ward went on to defeat Froch in the finals and won the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament.
Comeback
On 30 October 2011, Abraham originally announced that he intends to return to the middleweight division in 2012[14] but later decided to remain at super middleweight.[15]
In his first comeback fight on 14 January 2012, Abraham defeated Argentinian Pablo Oscar Natalio Farias via technical knockout in round five and won the vacant WBO European Super Middleweight Championship. After Abraham landed several hard combinations that put Farias down three times in the fifth round, referee Manuel Maritxalar stopped the fight.[16] On 31 March 2012, Abraham defeated former EBU Super Middleweight Champion Piotr Wilczewski by a lopsided unanimous decision to retain his WBO European title. Wilczewski was docked a point in the seventh round and was down in the eleventh round, though it was ruled a slip.
WBO Super Middleweight Champion
Abraham vs. Stieglitz I
On 25 August 2012, Abraham won a twelve round unanimous decision over Robert Stieglitz to capture the WBO Super Middleweight Championship in a spectacular battle which made Abraham a two-division champion. Abraham became the second Armenian and the first German to win championships in two different divisions. The judges' scores were 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113. The bout took place in O2 World Arena, Berlin, Germany.[17] Abraham was named best boxer of Germany in 2012 by BoxSport magazine. His coach Ulli Wegner was also named the best coach of the year.[18]
Abraham vs. Bouadla
Abraham defended his title against Mehdi Bouadla on December 15, 2012. He won via technical knockout in the eighth round.[19]
Abraham vs. Stieglitz II
A rematch with Stieglitz took place on March 23, 2013 in Stieglitz's home of Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. Abraham's eye rapidly swelled shut in the second round and he could soon no longer see. The referee waved him off at the start of the fourth round, resulting in his defeat.[20]
Regaining Composure
After losing the World title, Abraham had two more fights in 2013. First he beat Willbeforce Shihepo (20-4, 15 KOs) by 12 round unanimous decision (116-113, 117-111 & 116-112). Abraham claimed the vacant WBO Inter-Continenteal Super Middleweight title.[21] Two months later, Abraham successfully defended the title against Giovanni De Carolis (20-4, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision (120-108, 119-109 twice).
WBO Super Middleweight Champion (2nd Reign)
Abraham vs. Stieglitz III, Sjekloca
A rubber match with Stieglitz took place on March 1, 2014, with the WBO Super Middleweight title on the line once again.[22] Stieglitz was down in round 12 once but beat the count. Abraham won the fight by split decision (112-113, 114-111 & 115-110).[23]
Abraham made his first defence of his second World title reign against Serbian Nikkola Sjekloca (28-1, 8 KOs). The fight went full 12 rounds as Abraham came out victorious on points on all three judges scorecards (116-112, 116-113, 119-110).[24]
Abraham vs. Smith I & II
On September 27, 2014, Abraham defeated English boxer Paul Smith (35-3, 20 KOs) at Sparkassen-Arena in Germany. The fight went full 12 rounds as Abraham won on all three judges scorecards by a wide margin (119-109 & 117-111 twice).[25] The scorecards were derided in some quarters for being too wide given the competitiveness of the fight. Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn dubbed the decision a "disgrace".[26]
The two met in a rematch on February 21, 2015 at the O2 World Arena in Berlin. This also went the full 12 rounds as Abraham won via points on all three scorecards (116-112, 117-111 twice).[27]
Abraham vs. Stieglitz IV, Murray
Abraham fought Robert Stieglitz (47-4-1 27 KOs) for the fourth and final time on July 18, 2015 at the Gerry Weber Stadium, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Abraham won via TKO in the sixth round. Stieglitz was knocked down in round 4 once but managed to pick himself back up. Abraham was ahead on three judges scorecards at the time on stoppage (48-46, 50-44, 49-45).[28]
On November 21, 2015, Abraham defended his WBO World title against 33 year old British boxer Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs) at the TUI Arena in Hannover. Murray was on a three match winning streak. The fight went full 12 rounds as Abraham won via split decision (116-111, 115-112, 112-115). Murray lost one point for holding in round eleven, which did not affect the outcome.[29]
Abraham vs. Ramirez
Abraham lost to undefeated Gilberto Ramírez (33-0, 24 KOs) on April 9, 2016 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley Jr. III undercard.[30] Abraham slipped to a (1-3) record in the United States following the defeat. Ramirez won every round (120-108 three times) with a superior jab, a consistent mix of head and body power punches, and superior head and foot movement. Ramirez won on the punch count by outworking Abraham all night in almost very round by volume. It was not a close bout.[31]
Comeback Trail
Win over Lihaug
Team Sauerland announced that Abraham would fight on July 16, 2016 in his first bout since losing his 168-pound world title on April 9. Abraham will face 23 year old Tim-Robin Lihaug (15-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBO International super middleweight title at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.[32] Abraham won the fight with a decisive TKO victory stopping Lihaug in round 8 to claim the title, previously vacated by Gilberto Ramirez.[33]
Subsequent cancellation
Early talks in October suggested Abraham and Martin Murray (33-4-1, 16 KOs) could meet for the second time in Monaco on November 12, 2016.[34] The fight was scheduled take place at the Salle des Étoiles. The fight was announced as a non-title bout, where the winner would be the mandatory challenger for the WBO Super middleweight title, the same title Abraham lost to Gilberto Ramirez in April 2016.[35] Abraham suffered an elbow injury in training which pulled him off the card. It was thought that a rematch would take place at a future date, however Murray would find another opponent for the Monte Carlo card.[36] Russian boxer Dmitry Chudinov would step in Abraham's place until he withdrew due to a virus, having Nuhu Lawal replace him.[37][38]
Professional boxing record
Professional record summary | ||
50 fights | 45 wins | 5 losses |
By knockout | 30 | 1 |
By decision | 15 | 3 |
By disqualification | 0 | 1 |
No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 | Win | 45–5 | Tim-Robin Lihaug | TKO | 8 (12), 1:09 | 16 Jul 2016 | Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany | Won vacant WBO International super-middleweight title |
49 | Loss | 44–5 | Gilberto Ramírez | UD | 12 | 9 Apr 2016 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US | Lost WBO super-middleweight title |
48 | Win | 44–4 | Martin Murray | SD | 12 | 21 Nov 2015 | TUI Arena, Hanover, Germany | Retained WBO super-middleweight title |
47 | Win | 43–4 | Robert Stieglitz | TKO | 6 (12), 1:14 | 18 Jul 2015 | Gerry Weber Stadion, Halle, Germany | Retained WBO super-middleweight title |
46 | Win | 42–4 | Paul Smith | UD | 12 | 21 Feb 2015 | O2 World, Berlin, Germany | Retained WBO super-middleweight title |
45 | Win | 41–4 | Paul Smith | UD | 12 | 27 Sep 2014 | Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany | Retained WBO super-middleweight title |
44 | Win | 40–4 | Nikola Sjekloća | UD | 12 | 3 May 2014 | Velodrom, Berlin, Germany | Retained WBO super-middleweight title |
43 | Win | 39–4 | Robert Stieglitz | SD | 12 | 21 Mar 2014 | GETEC Arena, Magdeburg, Germany | Won WBO super-middleweight title |
42 | Win | 38–4 | Giovanni De Carolis | UD | 12 | 26 Oct 2013 | Large EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany | Retained WBO Inter-Continental super-middleweight title |
41 | Win | 37–4 | Willbeforce Shihepo | UD | 12 | 24 Aug 2013 | Sport- und Kongresshalle, Schwerin, Germany | Won WBO Inter-Continental super-middleweight title |
40 | Loss | 36–4 | Robert Stieglitz | TKO | 4 (12), 0:01 | 23 Mar 2013 | GETEC Arena, Magdeburg, Germany | Lost WBO super-middleweight title |
39 | Win | 36–3 | Mehdi Bouadla | TKO | 8 (12), 2:11 | 15 Dec 2012 | Nüremberg Arena, Nüremberg, Germany | Retained WBO super-middleweight title |
38 | Win | 35–3 | Robert Stieglitz | UD | 12 | 25 Aug 2012 | O2 World, Berlin, Germany | Won WBO super-middleweight title |
37 | Win | 34–3 | Piotr Wilczewski | UD | 12 | 31 Mar 2012 | Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany | Retained WBO European super-middleweight title |
36 | Win | 33–3 | Pablo Farias | KO | 5 (12), 2:00 | 14 Jan 2012 | Baden-Arena, Offenburg, Germany | Won vacant WBO European super-middleweight title |
35 | Loss | 32–3 | Andre Ward | UD | 12 | 14 May 2011 | Home Depot Center, Carson, California, US | For WBA (Super) super-middleweight title; Super Six World Boxing Classic: semi-final |
34 | Win | 32–2 | Stjepan Božić | TKO | 2 (10), 1:01 | 12 Feb 2011 | RWE-Sporthalle, Mülheim, Germany | |
33 | Loss | 31–2 | Carl Froch | UD | 12 | 27 Nov 2010 | Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland | For vacant WBC super-middleweight title; Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 3 |
32 | Loss | 31–1 | Andre Dirrell | DQ | 11 (12), 1:13 | 27 Mar 2010 | Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, US | Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 2; Abraham disqualified for hitting Dirrell after a slip |
31 | Win | 31–0 | Jermain Taylor | KO | 12 (12), 2:54 | 17 Oct 2009 | O2 World, Berlin, Germany | Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 1 |
30 | Win | 30–0 | Mahir Oral | TKO | 10 (12), 1:23 | 27 Jun 2009 | Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
29 | Win | 29–0 | Lajuan Simon | UD | 12 | 14 Mar 2009 | Ostseehalle, Kiel, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
28 | Win | 28–0 | Raúl Márquez | RTD | 6 (12), 3:00 | 8 Nov 2008 | Jako Arena, Bamberg, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
27 | Win | 27–0 | Edison Miranda | TKO | 4 (12), 1:13 | 21 Jun 2008 | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, US | Retained IBF middleweight title |
26 | Win | 26–0 | Elvin Ayala | KO | 12 (12), 2:32 | 29 Mar 2008 | Ostseehalle, Kiel, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
25 | Win | 25–0 | Wayne Elcock | TKO | 5 (12), 1:58 | 8 Dec 2007 | St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland | Retained IBF middleweight title |
24 | Win | 24–0 | Khoren Gevor | KO | 11 (12), 2:41 | 18 Aug 2007 | Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
23 | Win | 23–0 | Sébastien Demers | KO | 3 (12), 2:57 | 26 May 2007 | Jako Arena, Bamberg, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
22 | Win | 22–0 | Edison Miranda | UD | 12 | 23 Sep 2006 | Rittal Arena, Wetzlar, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
21 | Win | 21–0 | Kofi Jantuah | UD | 12 | 13 May 2006 | Stadthalle, Zwickau, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
20 | Win | 20–0 | Shannan Taylor | UD | 12 | 4 Mar 2006 | Large EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany | Retained IBF middleweight title |
19 | Win | 19–0 | Kingsley Ikeke | KO | 5 (12), 1:36 | 10 Dec 2005 | Arena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany | Won vacant IBF middleweight title |
18 | Win | 18–0 | Luis Daniel Parada | TKO | 5 (8), 2:52 | 1 Oct 2005 | Large EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany | |
17 | Win | 17–0 | Howard Eastman | UD | 12 | 16 Jul 2005 | Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany | Retained WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title |
16 | Win | 16–0 | Héctor Javier Velazco | KO | 5 (12), 2:49 | 23 Apr 2005 | Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, Germany | Retained WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title; Won vacant WBF Intercontinental middleweight title |
15 | Win | 15–0 | Ian Gardner | UD | 12 | 12 Feb 2005 | Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany | Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title |
14 | Win | 14–0 | Roberto Mario Vecchio | TKO | 6 (8), 2:02 | 20 Nov 2004 | BigBox, Kempten, Germany | |
13 | Win | 13–0 | Nader Hamdan | TKO | 12 (12), 1:30 | 4 Sep 2004 | Grugahalle, Essen, Germany | Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title |
12 | Win | 12–0 | Dave Nash | KO | 2 (8) | 3 Jul 2004 | Stadthalle, Hattersheim am Main, Germany | |
11 | Win | 11–0 | Mark Flynn | KO | 3 (8), 2:41 | 5 Jun 2004 | Eissportzentrum, Chemnitz, Germany | |
10 | Win | 10–0 | Cristian Oscar Zanabria | KO | 5 (8) | 17 Apr 2004 | Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany | |
9 | Win | 9–0 | Branko Sobot | TKO | 2 (8) | 27 Mar 2004 | Bördelandhalle, Magdeburg, Germany | |
8 | Win | 8–0 | Steve Walker | KO | 2 (8) | 28 Feb 2004 | Mehrzweckhalle, Dresden, Germany | |
7 | Win | 7–0 | Gabriel Botos | TKO | 2 (6), 1:22 | 21 Jan 2004 | Sportcenter Jumps, Berlin, Germany | |
6 | Win | 6–0 | Alexandru Manea | TKO | 3 (6) | 17 Jan 2004 | Rhein-Mosel-Halle, Koblenz, Germany | |
5 | Win | 5–0 | Cezary Piotrowski | KO | 4 (6) | 13 Dec 2003 | Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany | |
4 | Win | 4–0 | Tomas Vican | TKO | 2 (6) | 22 Nov 2003 | Erdgas Arena, Riesa, Germany | |
3 | Win | 3–0 | Sladko Cizicz | TKO | 3 (4) | 4 Oct 2003 | Stadthalle, Zwickau, Germany | |
2 | Win | 2–0 | Petr Rykala | TKO | 2 (4) | 6 Sep 2003 | Messe, Erfurt, Germany | |
1 | Win | 1–0 | Frank Kary Roth | TKO | 3 (4) | 16 Aug 2003 | Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany | Professional debut |
Titles in boxing
Amateur
- 1997 International light-welterweight German champion
- 2000, 2001 and 2002 Senior light-middleweight Armenian champion
Professional
Regional titles | ||
---|---|---|
Vacant Title last held by Evans Ashira |
WBA Inter-Continental middleweight champion 4 September 2004 – November 2004 Vacated |
Vacant Title next held by Himself |
Vacant Title last held by Himself |
WBA Inter-Continental middleweight champion 12 February 2005 – October 2005 Vacated |
Vacant Title next held by József Nagy |
Vacant Title last held by Mikkel Kessler |
WBO European super-middleweight champion 4 September 2004 – 25 August 2012 Won world title |
Vacant Title next held by Geard Ajetović |
Vacant Title last held by Gilberto Ramírez |
WBO International super-middleweight champion 16 July 2016 – present |
Incumbent |
Minor world titles | ||
Vacant Title last held by Andy Halder |
WBF Intercontinental middleweight champion 23 April 2005 – June 2005 Vacated |
Vacant Title next held by Andy Halder |
Major world titles | ||
Vacant Title last held by Jermain Taylor |
IBF middleweight champion 10 December 2005 – 12 July 2009 Vacated |
Vacant Title next held by Sebastian Sylvester |
Preceded by Robert Stieglitz |
WBO super-middleweight champion 25 August 2012 – 23 March 2013 |
Succeeded by Robert Stieglitz |
WBO super-middleweight champion 1 March 2014 – 9 April 2016 |
Succeeded by Gilberto Ramírez |
Outside of boxing
Abraham has gained much popularity in Germany and appears regularly in various formats on German television. On 24 October 2009, he appeared in Cologne, Germany for an exhibition match against entertainer Oliver Pocher in a bouncy, castle-like "ring" and fought with huge, air-cushion-like boxing gloves.[39] On 9 April 2010, Abraham took to the dance show Let's Dance on RTL with partner Nina Uszkureit, but left after the first episode of the show in order to concentrate fully on his boxing career.
He became a citizen of Germany in August 2006, in order to do that he had to drop the Armenian citizenship. Arthur Abraham is a stage name, so he had to draw a painting at the registration office to register it in his passport.
His family members call him "Avo", short for Avetik.[40] Abraham is single, has no children and lives in Berlin. His younger brother Alexander is also a professional boxer,[41] and his older brother Christian owns a furniture shop.[42]
Abraham plans on opening a boxing school in Armenia following his future retirement.[43] He will also have foreign language classes for students at the boxing school, such as English and German. "If a boxer knows no foreign language, he cannot have success internationally," Abraham noted.[44] In the movie Max Schmeling, he played a supporting role of boxer Richard Vogt, Schmeling´s last opponent. Just as in real life, Ulli Wegner was in his corner.[45]
On 21 September 2008, Abraham and fellow boxer Vic Darchinyan were honored by Armenian President Serge Sargsyan during a 20th anniversary celebration of the nation's independence. Both men were awarded with medals "For the great services for Armenia" of the first degree.[46]
German actor and producer Til Schweiger invited Abraham to act in his film Crime Scene. Til and Abraham have been familiar with each other for a long time. Abraham is playing a pimp in the film. His character is a leader of a gang that controls the shadow business.[47]
Abraham was included in the panel of judges for the “Miss Germany” beauty pageant in 2012 and 2013.[48]
On January 9, 2013, the RA Ministry of Diaspora hosted a presser for Abraham. Minister Hranush Hakobyan praised Abraham as a role model and awarded him the "Poghos Nubar" medal.[49][50]
Abraham sent a letter of condolence on the death of Vladimir Yengibaryan to his family.[51]
Awards
See also
- List of IBF world champions
- List of WBO world champions
- List of middleweight boxing champions
- List of super middleweight boxing champions
References
- ↑ "Das Portrait von Arthur Abraham". Arthur-Abraham.de.
- ↑ Portrait von Arthur Abraham | Offizielle Website von Arthur Abraham. Arthur.eeedv.de (2011-08-18). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham deposes Kingsley Ikeke - World boxing - Boxing news - BOXNEWS.com.ua". www.boxnews.com.ua. Retrieved 2016-07-25.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham vs. Shannan Taylor". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-25.
- ↑ "Abraham fights through broken jaw to defend his IBF Middleweight title". Fight Report. 2006-09-24. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham vs. Raul Marquez Slated For October 4 - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
- ↑ "Abraham defeats Marquez to defend IBF title - USATODAY.com". usatoday30.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham vs. Jermain Taylor – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Abraham’s Intensity & Determination Impress Mike Tyson | BoxingInsider.com – Boxing | Boxing News. BoxingInsider.com (2009-10-27). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ The Ring Top 100 | Ringtv.craveonline.com | Blog. Ringtv.craveonline.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-16. Archived January 19, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ Iole, Kevin. (2010-03-05) Unbeaten Abraham seeks U.S. stardom – Boxing – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Boxing – More on Dirrell-Abraham. Fightnews.com (2010-03-28). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ FROCH WINS BACK HIS BELT | Sporting Life – Boxing News | Amir Khan, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao. Sporting Life. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham: Middleweight Run Starts in January – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham Will Stay at 168, Eyes Stieglitz's WBO Title – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 2012-03-27.
- ↑ HyeFighter Abraham KO’s Farias – Hyefighters.com. HyeFighters.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ "Abraham outpoints Stieglitz, wins WBO super middleweight belt". ringtv.craveonline.com. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham Named Boxer of The Year By BoxSport". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham retains WBO belt". ESPN. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ↑ "Did Robert Stiegtlitz head butt his way to victory over Arthur Abraham?". www.proboxing-fans.com. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham vs. Willbeforce Shihepo - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ "Robert Stieglitz, Arthur Abraham to fight in March for 3rd time". ESPN.com.
- ↑ "Did Robert Stiegtlitz head butt his way to victory over Arthur Abraham?". www.badlefthook.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
- ↑ "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Nikola Sjekloca". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Paul Smith". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/11126278/Paul-Smith-robbed-in-fight-against-Arthur-Abraham-in-Germany-as-Eddie-Hearn-calls-judges-verdicts-a-disgrace.html
- ↑ "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Paul Smith". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ "Fight:1972371 - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ "Fight:2008419 - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ "Notes: Abraham-Ramirez fight being negotiated". ESPN.com.
- ↑ "Fight:2040449 - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ "Abraham's July fight to come against Lihaug". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
- ↑ Wells, Adam. "Abraham vs. Lihaug: Winner, Recap and Reaction". Retrieved 2016-07-17.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham-Martin Murray II in Play, Nov. 12 in Monaco - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2016-10-10.
- ↑ "Heavyweight Ortiz to fight Scott in Monte Carlo". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016-10-10.
- ↑ "Arthur Abraham withdraws from Martin Murray rematch - Boxing News". Boxing News. 2016-10-26. Retrieved 2016-10-26.
- ↑ "Martin Murray Confirms Dmitry Chudinov Showdown - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2016-10-31.
- ↑ "Martin Murray faces Nuhu Lawal after Dmitrii Chudinov withdrawal". Sky Sports. November 10, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
- ↑ Oliver Pocher vs Arthur Abraham October 23, 2009. Bleacherreport.com (2009-10-23). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ "Ashkhari Hayer: Arthur Abraham" (in Armenian). Shant TV. 29 June 2014.
- ↑ Alexander Abraham – Boxer – Boxing news. Boxnews.com.ua. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Biofile with Arthur Abraham. Thebiofile.com (2010-11-24). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham Back In Action On January 14th | HyeFighters – Armenian Combat Sports. HyeFighters (2011-11-17). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham wants to marry in Armenia – Tert.am – News | Armenia | Russia | CIS | World. Tert.am (2011-06-17). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham. boxen.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham, Vic Darchinyan Honored in Armenia – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com (2011-09-21). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ Արթուր Աբրահամը նկարահանվել է կավատի դերում (ֆոտո) (in Armenian). sport.news.am. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ↑ Արթուր Աբրահամը` "Միսս Գերմանիա-2013"-ի ժյուրիի անդամ (ֆոտո) (in Armenian). sport.news.am. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ↑ Արթուր Աբրահամը պարգեւատրվել է "Պողոս Նուբար" մեդալով (in Armenian). sport.news.am. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ↑ "Photos: Arthur Abraham Honored By Diaspora's RA Ministry". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ↑ Արթուր Աբրահամի ցավակցական խոսքը՝ Վլադիմիր Ենգիբարյանի մահվան կապակցությամբ (in Armenian). sport.news.am. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ↑ Biographical. arthur-abraham.de Retrieved on 2012-05-15.
- ↑ Arthur Abraham. visitBerlin.de (2010-04-14). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
- ↑ ChariSma24 » Talk-GuestsCharisma24.tv | Die Talksendung mit Charisma für personality und charity Archived April 26, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.. Charisma24.tv (2009-09-02). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.