IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham will make his second mandatory title defense on August 18 when he takes on Khoren Gevor in Berlin´s Max-Schmeling-Halle. "We have reached an agreement with Universum today," Sauerland managing director Chris Meyer stated. "The fight will be promoted and organised by us. By choosing Berlin we do not only have a home game but the Max-Schmeling-Halle is also a perfect arena for such a quality fight."
Abraham, unbeaten in 23 bouts (18 KOs), last stopped Sebastien Demers inside three rounds. He is currently shaping up in Zinnowitz, a tiny village at the Baltic Sea. Coach Ulli Wegner has called the training camp the "most brutal of all time". It´s much worse than that, finds King Arthur. "To be honest, it is even a little bit harder," said the champion with a smile. "After my long break I have to give 100 percent in each and every session to be perfectly prepared for this important fight. I am happy that I can make the mandatory defense in Berlin, which is where I live. I hope the fans will support me."
The IBF made fifth-ranked Gevor the mandatory challenger after Edison Miranda´s loss and Amin Asikainen´s European title fight against Sebastian Sylvester. "Of course Arthur is the favourite," said coach Ulli Wegner. "But you must not underestimate Gevor - even though his name might only ring a bell with a few experts. Arthur must not take him lightly."
The fight will also spell a rare meeting between German coaching legends Ulli Wegner and Fritz Sdunek. "I appreciate his work at Universum a lot," said Wegner. "We´ve known each other for ages and we´ve been involved in many battles during the times of the GDR." Abraham and Wegner will return to Germany´s capital on July 20 once the training camp is over. "Arthur will be ready come August 18," said Wegner.