By Jake Donovan
It’s a rare enough occurrence for two top fighters to meet each other four times, and unprecedented that all four occasions come with a major title at stake. With that watershed moment came the formal announcement for the July 18 showdown between defending super middleweight titlist Arthur Abraham and former champ Robert Stieglitz.
A press conference was held Thursday afternoon in Germany, with both fighters insisting they have the other figured out. After having previously shared 27-plus rounds of ring space together, you’d think that part would be a given.
Nevetheless, both are anxious to move on from this chapter of their respective careers. Naturally, a definitive victory is predicted by each camp.
“Four fights with Robert is enough for me,” declared Abraham (42-4, 28KO), who makes the fourth defense of the belt he regained from Stieglitz in their third meet last March. “Of course, victory is always the most important thing, but on July 18, I don’t just want to win, I want to win decisively and prove once and for all that I am the better man!”
Abraham is 2-1 in the series, having scored a pair of decisions for his wins. Stieglitz’ lone victory came via cuts stoppage, with Abraham declared unfit to fight at the start of the 4th round of their March ’13 rematch.
Not only has a belt been at stake for all of the bouts in this set, but the title has changed hands in each of their previous meets. Abraham resurrected his career with a surprise decision win in their Aug. ’12 clash, capturing a super middleweight title belt more than a year after his disastrous run in the Showtime Super Six tournament.
Stieglitz (47-4-1, 27KOs) became a two-time beltholder after forcing Abraham to wilt following three full rounds of action in their March ’13 rematch. Three defenses followed before dropping a heartbreaking split decision in their rubber match last March.
The 33-year old rebounded with a knockout win over Sergey Khomitsky last July, before being held to a draw by former four-time middleweight titlist Felix Sturm in their catchweight bout last November.
The upcoming clash with Abraham will mark eight months between fights by the time he steps into the ring. Stieglitz has used the downtime to ensure no stone has been left unturned in preparing for what could be his final title bid.
“I have analyzed all three of our fights in detail,” reveals Stieglitz. “With the right tactical adjustments, I have no doubt that this time I will be victorious!”
Abraham is coming off of a repeat 12-round win over Paul Smith in their rematch this past February.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of krikya360.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox