Abraham to defend IBF middleweight title in Berlin on August 18

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.