By UK Boxing Writer Jon Campbell
On the 31st of March in Kiel, Germany former IBF Middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (34-3) defended his WBO European Super Middleweight title against the Polish Piotr Wilczewski (33-3). This was Abraham’s 2nd comeback fight since his career declined due to a disappointing super-six tournament in which he was favorite, consisting of losses to Ward and Froch, also a DQ to Dirrell. His career is moving back towards the elite level where personally, I believe he belongs.
Abraham defeated the tough Polish fighter by a landslide unanimous decision on scores, which I believed to be fair. It was a step up from his last fight against Farias and although he did not look like the Abraham we once had the pleasure to watch. I believe he still has the skill set and motivation and can once again be a titleholder. During the fight, if not before the opening bell, it was quite clear that Abraham was a large favorite and defiantly the more capable of the two fighters. He still demonstrates good speed, accuracy and timing. He still attacks in his usual controlled fashion, standing off and then coming in with short bursts. Abraham was not on his A-game and I have heard commentary which suggests he is washed up, and now is not capable of replicating his old abilities but I disagree.
I saw this fight to be a test for Abraham against a difficult opponent with potential danger. An aggressive fighter who moved forward and attempted to stop Abraham in his game plan, he fought the fight which gave him the most chance but simply was not capable of doing so.
Abraham clearly won if not edged practically every round of combat. Moving on for Abraham, it is clear he intends to get a title shot or at least a fight with a top contender by years end to establish his place at the top after a self-admitted terrible 2010. He will most likely get this as he has been made the mandatory challenger for Stieglitz’s WBO belt. I see Abrahams to be favorite to win this fight due to his experience against elite level fighters, presuming the champ takes a replacement for Kessler and wins. I think he still to this day makes a worthy title holder but is not good enough to be the best in the division, as the likes of Froch. Kessler and Ward outweigh him in ability.
Follow Boxing Writer Jon Campbell on TWITTER @REALCOMBATMEDIA
Join our FACEBOOK for the latest up to date fight news Real Combat Media.COM
Add us to your circle on GOOGLE PLUS: plus.google.com/Real Combat Media.
JOIN OUR NEW INTEGRATED FACEBOOK FORUMS :realcombatmedia.com/forum
COMMENTS
English