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Q&A With Abraham: "I Want To
Hold On To My Title For A While"
Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs) has entered the ring in
Nuremberg, Germany on two previous occasions. However, the
fight against Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs) will be something
special. For the first time ever, the prodigy of Coach Ulli
Wegner will make his way to the squared circle as the WBO
Super-Middleweight World Champion. Hence, King Arthur is
very excited about returning to Franconia.
Arthur Abraham, on August 25 you won an exciting fight
against Robert Stieglitz and consequently took over as the
reigning WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion. What has
changed since then?
Arthur Abraham: I am just more relaxed than before. Of
course, my finances have also changed since then. But that
is about it. Understandably, I was very relieved once I had
that belt around my waist.
Before you moved up a division, you were the IBF
Middleweight World Champion. Are you even more motivated
than before, now that you won the world title in the heavier
division?
Arthur Abraham: Most definitely. My motivation is immense.
Everybody would be happy to call themselves a two-division
world champion.
Does that effect your preparation in any sort of way?
Arthur Abraham: Your attitude towards training changes. When
I was younger, my mind was wandering around. But the more
experienced you get, the more focused you become and you
start realizing that professional sport is a serious
business. I try to keep mistakes to a minimum and I train a
little bit harder each day.
In which areas have you developed yourself in the last
months?
Arthur Abraham: You develop on a daily basis in many
different aspects such as physically and you become more
disciplined. I think that I work even harder than ever
before.
You are finally returning to Nuremberg. You have very
special memories of the city in Franconia?
Arthur Abraham: That´s correct. During my amateur days, I
was part of 1. FC Nürnberg and my coach back then was Uwe
Schulz. We had some great times together. In 1997, I became
the International Champion of Germany as well as the
Bavarian Champion. Those are great memories.
After you turned pro, you had two fights in Nuremberg. The
first was in 2003 against Cezary Piotrowski followed by a
fight with Howard Eastman two years later?
Arthur Abraham: Back then, I was part of the undercard for a
main event. Now I am returning for the first time as the
main event of the evening. However, I also have some painful
memories of Nuremberg. I cracked my rips during the Eastman
fight. That hurt quite a lot and it showed in my
performance.
This time you will be facing Mehdi Bouadla. What are your
thoughts on him?
Arthur Abraham: Mehdi Bouadla is a real fighter. He is
always looking for one-on-one situations. I am hoping to
stop him early in order for him not to land as many hard
shots in return. Those could be very dangerous.
What are your plans for the future?
Arthur Abraham: First, I want to win on December 15. Once
the new year has started, I will start thinking about my
next steps. I want to hold on to my title for quite a while!
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