Arthur Abraham: I will fight for two more years at least

For Arthur Abraham, 2013 was marked with two championship belts; he lost his WBO belt to Robert Stieglitz, and won WBO Intercontinental belt from Wilberforce Shihepo.

For Arthur Abraham, 2013 was marked with two championship belts; he lost his WBO belt to Robert Stieglitz, and won WBO Intercontinental belt from Wilberforce Shihepo.

Abraham’s all current plans are related to the match-revenge with Robert Stieglitz. In an exclusive interview with Mediamax, King Arthur, as called by his fans, summed up 2013 results and talked about his intention to regain WBO belt.

- Arthur, you had three matches this year and scored a victory in two of them (Wilberforce Shihepo and Giovanni De Carolis). What did these victories mean to you?

- In early 2013, I had a match with Robert Stieglitz but I lost it. However, the next matches proved victorious for me and I defeated my rivals. These matches helped me feel the ring again, and I learned about my current physical state. Victories, indeed, make me happy but championship matches are what really matter.

- After scoring a victory over Giovanni de Carolis, you announced you were not contented with yourself. Why?

- I defended the WBO Intercontinental belt in that match, and I am glad I won. But I wanted to knock out de Carolis but I didn’t manage to. That's why I was not contented.

- This year you lost your WBO belt to Robert Stieglitz. You were stronger than Stieglitz at the first match. How do you explain your loss at the second match?

- I got an injury at the second match, and the fight was stopped. The fight lasted three rounds, and I didn’t have time to show myself.

- After the loss you said you would end your career in case of the second loss. Afterwards, you twice scored a victory. Did they help you regain confidence?

- Certainly. After each victory you start feeling better. Like all other athletes, I also love being the first. Victories give you hope and you develop a more optimistic attitude.

- Abraham-Stieglitz are 1:1 now. In 2014 you will face Stieglitz for the third time. A crucial fight awaits us ahead.

- I must defeat him, and it's beyond doubt. It no longer matters if there will be a knock-out or not; what really matters is to have my hand raised by the referee at the end of the fight. I am getting thoroughly prepared for the fight.

- What makes Stieglitz different from the rest of your rivals?

- Every boxer has his own style and so differs from the rest. I know how Stieglitz fights: he hits much but not strongly, has perfect footwork and moves much in the ring. I respect him, but I will spare no effort to defeat him.

- Your third fight with Stieglitz is expected in 2014. How are you getting prepared for it?

- Our fight will take place in Germany, on March 1. This fight is important and crucial for me. It's my ultimate wish to win him and regain the WBO championship belt. Our third fight will beyond doubt also be interesting for the fans.

- What conclusions have you drawn from your losses, and how do you manage to forget about them?

- I do my best to quickly forget about the losses. After my first loss in the professional ring, I had many sleepless nights. I could not make myself sleep; I was trying to find my own mistakes. Every athlete should learn from his losses.

- Your coach Ulli Wegner seems to be strict and demanding. What does he tell you after you lose, or how does he express his discontent?

- He is really very strict and always gets angry when I lose. Sometimes he expresses his anger by words, and sometimes by taking ''actions'' (laughing). He always demands that one improve himself and demonstrate the best qualities.

- You always say you want to present a beautiful fight to your fans. What is your idea of a beautiful fight?

- The fight in which rivals don't push each other and don't hit with the head always proves to be beautiful. Fights in which you win by a knock-out are also very memorable. For me, an example of a beautiful fight is the match with Jermain Taylor, when I managed to knock out him at the last round.

- In which weight category do you feel confident?

- I have always been in the middleweight division, and for roughly 4 years defended the IBF belt. I never lost it to anybody and had to give it up to participate in the Super Six tournament. Then I was reclassified into the super middleweight division. I don't need to lose much weight in this division, and I already feel confident.

- You have prolonged the contract with ''Sauerland Event'' Promotion Company until 2015.

- Yes, I did. And it means that I will fight for at least two more years. We'll see, how these years appear to be, and if I manage to fulfill my dreams or no. Only after that, I will be able to decide on my future occupation area.

Gohar Nalbandyan and Hasmik Babayan talked to Arthur Abraham.