Arthur Abraham

Arthur Abraham
Ավետիք Աբրահամյան

Abraham in 2010
Statistics
Real name Avetik Abrahamyan
Nickname(s)
  • King Arthur
  • Abrahammer
Rated at
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Reach 183 cm (72 in)
Nationality
  • Armenian
  • German
Born (1980-02-20) 20 February 1980
Yerevan, Armenian SSR,
Soviet Union (now Armenia)
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

Abraham with the IBF title in 2008

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 Norway Tim-Robin Lihaug TKO 8 (12), 1:09 16 Jul 2016 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Won vacant WBO International super-middleweight title
49 Loss 44–5 Mexico Gilberto Ramírez UD 12 9 Apr 2016 United States MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US Lost WBO super-middleweight title
48 Win 44–4 United Kingdom Martin Murray SD 12 21 Nov 2015 Germany TUI Arena, Hanover, Germany Retained WBO super-middleweight title
47 Win 43–4 Germany Robert Stieglitz TKO 6 (12), 1:14 18 Jul 2015 Germany Gerry Weber Stadion, Halle, Germany Retained WBO super-middleweight title
46 Win 42–4 United Kingdom Paul Smith UD 12 21 Feb 2015 Germany O2 World, Berlin, Germany Retained WBO super-middleweight title
45 Win 41–4 United Kingdom Paul Smith UD 12 27 Sep 2014 Germany Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany Retained WBO super-middleweight title
44 Win 40–4 Serbia Nikola Sjekloća UD 12 3 May 2014 Germany Velodrom, Berlin, Germany Retained WBO super-middleweight title
43 Win 39–4 Germany Robert Stieglitz SD 12 21 Mar 2014 Germany GETEC Arena, Magdeburg, Germany Won WBO super-middleweight title
42 Win 38–4 Italy Giovanni De Carolis UD 12 26 Oct 2013 Germany Large EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany Retained WBO Inter-Continental super-middleweight title
41 Win 37–4 Namibia Willbeforce Shihepo UD 12 24 Aug 2013 Germany Sport- und Kongresshalle, Schwerin, Germany Won WBO Inter-Continental super-middleweight title
40 Loss 36–4 Germany Robert Stieglitz TKO 4 (12), 0:01 23 Mar 2013 Germany GETEC Arena, Magdeburg, Germany Lost WBO super-middleweight title
39 Win 36–3 France Mehdi Bouadla TKO 8 (12), 2:11 15 Dec 2012 Germany Nüremberg Arena, Nüremberg, Germany Retained WBO super-middleweight title
38 Win 35–3 Germany Robert Stieglitz UD 12 25 Aug 2012 Germany O2 World, Berlin, Germany Won WBO super-middleweight title
37 Win 34–3 Poland Piotr Wilczewski UD 12 31 Mar 2012 Germany Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany Retained WBO European super-middleweight title
36 Win 33–3 Argentina Pablo Farias KO 5 (12), 2:00 14 Jan 2012 Germany Baden-Arena, Offenburg, Germany Won vacant WBO European super-middleweight title
35 Loss 32–3 United States Andre Ward UD 12 14 May 2011 United States Home Depot Center, Carson, California, US For WBA (Super) super-middleweight title;
Super Six World Boxing Classic: semi-final
34 Win 32–2 Croatia Stjepan Božić TKO 2 (10), 1:01 12 Feb 2011 Germany RWE-Sporthalle, Mülheim, Germany
33 Loss 31–2 United Kingdom Carl Froch UD 12 27 Nov 2010 Finland Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland For vacant WBC super-middleweight title;
Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 3
32 Loss 31–1 United States Andre Dirrell DQ 11 (12), 1:13 27 Mar 2010 United States 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 United States Jermain Taylor KO 12 (12), 2:54 17 Oct 2009 Germany O2 World, Berlin, Germany Super Six World Boxing Classic: group stage 1
30 Win 30–0 Turkey Mahir Oral TKO 10 (12), 1:23 27 Jun 2009 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
29 Win 29–0 United States Lajuan Simon UD 12 14 Mar 2009 Germany Ostseehalle, Kiel, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
28 Win 28–0 Mexico Raúl Márquez RTD 6 (12), 3:00 8 Nov 2008 Germany Jako Arena, Bamberg, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
27 Win 27–0 Colombia Edison Miranda TKO 4 (12), 1:13 21 Jun 2008 United States Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, US Retained IBF middleweight title
26 Win 26–0 United States Elvin Ayala KO 12 (12), 2:32 29 Mar 2008 Germany Ostseehalle, Kiel, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
25 Win 25–0 United Kingdom Wayne Elcock TKO 5 (12), 1:58 8 Dec 2007 Switzerland St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland Retained IBF middleweight title
24 Win 24–0 Armenia Khoren Gevor KO 11 (12), 2:41 18 Aug 2007 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
23 Win 23–0 Canada Sébastien Demers KO 3 (12), 2:57 26 May 2007 Germany Jako Arena, Bamberg, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
22 Win 22–0 Colombia Edison Miranda UD 12 23 Sep 2006 Germany Rittal Arena, Wetzlar, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
21 Win 21–0 Ghana Kofi Jantuah UD 12 13 May 2006 Germany Stadthalle, Zwickau, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
20 Win 20–0 Australia Shannan Taylor UD 12 4 Mar 2006 Germany Large EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany Retained IBF middleweight title
19 Win 19–0 Nigeria Kingsley Ikeke KO 5 (12), 1:36 10 Dec 2005 Germany Arena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Won vacant IBF middleweight title
18 Win 18–0 Argentina Luis Daniel Parada TKO 5 (8), 2:52 1 Oct 2005 Germany Large EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany
17 Win 17–0 United Kingdom Howard Eastman UD 12 16 Jul 2005 Germany Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title
16 Win 16–0 Argentina Héctor Javier Velazco KO 5 (12), 2:49 23 Apr 2005 Germany Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title;
Won vacant WBF Intercontinental middleweight title
15 Win 15–0 Canada Ian Gardner UD 12 12 Feb 2005 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title
14 Win 14–0 Uruguay Roberto Mario Vecchio TKO 6 (8), 2:02 20 Nov 2004 Germany BigBox, Kempten, Germany
13 Win 13–0 Australia Nader Hamdan TKO 12 (12), 1:30 4 Sep 2004 Germany Grugahalle, Essen, Germany Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title
12 Win 12–0 Canada Dave Nash KO 2 (8) 3 Jul 2004 Germany Stadthalle, Hattersheim am Main, Germany
11 Win 11–0 Canada Mark Flynn KO 3 (8), 2:41 5 Jun 2004 Germany Eissportzentrum, Chemnitz, Germany
10 Win 10–0 Argentina Cristian Oscar Zanabria KO 5 (8) 17 Apr 2004 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
9 Win 9–0 Croatia Branko Sobot TKO 2 (8) 27 Mar 2004 Germany Bördelandhalle, Magdeburg, Germany
8 Win 8–0 United States Steve Walker KO 2 (8) 28 Feb 2004 Germany Mehrzweckhalle, Dresden, Germany
7 Win 7–0 Czech Republic Gabriel Botos TKO 2 (6), 1:22 21 Jan 2004 Germany Sportcenter Jumps, Berlin, Germany
6 Win 6–0 Romania Alexandru Manea TKO 3 (6) 17 Jan 2004 Germany Rhein-Mosel-Halle, Koblenz, Germany
5 Win 5–0 Poland Cezary Piotrowski KO 4 (6) 13 Dec 2003 Germany Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany
4 Win 4–0 Czech Republic Tomas Vican TKO 2 (6) 22 Nov 2003 Germany Erdgas Arena, Riesa, Germany
3 Win 3–0 Germany Sladko Cizicz TKO 3 (4) 4 Oct 2003 Germany Stadthalle, Zwickau, Germany
2 Win 2–0 Czech Republic Petr Rykala TKO 2 (4) 6 Sep 2003 Germany Messe, Erfurt, Germany
1 Win 1–0 Germany Frank Kary Roth TKO 3 (4) 16 Aug 2003 Germany Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany Professional debut

Titles in boxing

Amateur

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

References

  1. "Das Portrait von Arthur Abraham". Arthur-Abraham.de.
  2. Portrait von Arthur Abraham | Offizielle Website von Arthur Abraham. Arthur.eeedv.de (2011-08-18). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  3. "Arthur Abraham deposes Kingsley Ikeke - World boxing - Boxing news - BOXNEWS.com.ua". www.boxnews.com.ua. Retrieved 2016-07-25.
  4. "Arthur Abraham vs. Shannan Taylor". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-07-25.
  5. "Abraham fights through broken jaw to defend his IBF Middleweight title". Fight Report. 2006-09-24. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  6. "Arthur Abraham vs. Raul Marquez Slated For October 4 - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  7. "Abraham defeats Marquez to defend IBF title - USATODAY.com". usatoday30.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  8. Arthur Abraham vs. Jermain Taylor – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  9. Abraham’s Intensity & Determination Impress Mike Tyson | BoxingInsider.com – Boxing | Boxing News. BoxingInsider.com (2009-10-27). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  10. The Ring Top 100 | Ringtv.craveonline.com | Blog. Ringtv.craveonline.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-16. Archived January 19, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
  11. Iole, Kevin. (2010-03-05) Unbeaten Abraham seeks U.S. stardom – Boxing – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  12. Boxing – More on Dirrell-Abraham. Fightnews.com (2010-03-28). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  13. FROCH WINS BACK HIS BELT | Sporting Life – Boxing News | Amir Khan, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao. Sporting Life. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  14. Arthur Abraham: Middleweight Run Starts in January – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  15. Arthur Abraham Will Stay at 168, Eyes Stieglitz's WBO Title – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 2012-03-27.
  16. HyeFighter Abraham KO’s Farias – Hyefighters.com. HyeFighters.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  17. "Abraham outpoints Stieglitz, wins WBO super middleweight belt". ringtv.craveonline.com. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  18. "Arthur Abraham Named Boxer of The Year By BoxSport". www.boxingscene.com. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  19. "Arthur Abraham retains WBO belt". ESPN. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  20. "Did Robert Stiegtlitz head butt his way to victory over Arthur Abraham?". www.proboxing-fans.com. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  21. "Arthur Abraham vs. Willbeforce Shihepo - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  22. "Robert Stieglitz, Arthur Abraham to fight in March for 3rd time". ESPN.com.
  23. "Did Robert Stiegtlitz head butt his way to victory over Arthur Abraham?". www.badlefthook.com. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  24. "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Nikola Sjekloca". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  25. "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Paul Smith". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  26. 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
  27. "BoxRec - Arthur Abraham v Paul Smith". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  28. "Fight:1972371 - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  29. "Fight:2008419 - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  30. "Notes: Abraham-Ramirez fight being negotiated". ESPN.com.
  31. "Fight:2040449 - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  32. "Abraham's July fight to come against Lihaug". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  33. Wells, Adam. "Abraham vs. Lihaug: Winner, Recap and Reaction". Retrieved 2016-07-17.
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