Arthur Abraham

Early life

Avetik Abrahamyan was born in Yerevan, Soviet Armenia on 20 February 1980 to parents Grigor and Sylvia Abrahamyan. He moved to Germany with his parents and brothers in 1995 at the age of 15. As a teenager, Abraham showed an interest in cycling and eventually became the North Bavarian and Franconian Youth Champion. However, after watching an exciting Mike Tyson fight, Arthur was inspired by Tyson's intensity and wanted to become a boxing star too. In 1999, Arthur and his brothers returned to Armenia for military service. After 2002, all the brothers had finished their military service and returned to Germany in 2003.

Amateur career

Abraham boxed as an amateur in Bamberg and later in Nuremberg. He was an International Junior Welterweight German Champion in 1997 and a three time Senior light middleweight Armenian Champion in 2000, 2001 and 2002. His final amateur record was 81-3-6 (48 KO).

In 2003, Arthur and Alexander competed alongside promoter and manager Wilfried Sauerland and his head coach Ulli Wegner. Arthur was a sparring partner for IBF and WBA super middleweight champion Sven Ottke, whom was in the preparations of a title defense. Wegner was so impressed that he began to train Arthur personally.

Amateur highlights

Early career

Abraham started his professional career on August 16, 2003, being promoted by HyeFighters. Sauerland-promoted Abraham had many impressive early victories. He defeated Canadian southpaw Ian Gardner (18–1) for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title, Hector Velazco (former WBO champion) and contender Nader Hamdan (36–1).

In July 2005, Abraham defended his WBA Inter-Continental title against the highly regarded Briton Howard Eastman. Eastman had previously only lost to American William Joppy and former Undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins.

IBF middleweight champion

On 10 December 2005, in Leipzig, Germany, Abraham won the vacant IBF middleweight title against Kingsley Ikeke (23-1, 13 KOs) by a 5th round knock-out. The IBF belt had previously been vacated by undisputed champion Jermain Taylor after a bout with Abraham was denied in October that year. In the fifth round, Arthur met Ikeke with hard shot to the head. Ikeke began to tumble toward the canvas and Abraham landed some final rights to seal the victory.

Abraham defended his title on 5 March 2006 with a unanimous decision against Australian Shannan Taylor. Two months later, Abraham won a second title defense against Kofi Jantuah, also on points.

On 23 September 2006, Abraham won a decision against undefeated contender Edison Miranda despite having his jaw broken in two places in round four. Miranda took advantage of this by fighting dirty. Miranda was docked five points for landing repeated low blows as well as intentionally headbutting Abraham. However, even without the five points deducted, Abraham would have still won the fight (114-109, 115-109, 116-109). Abraham's jaw was operated on the night after the fight. He had 22 screws inserted into two titanium plates. After the Miranda bout, Arthur was praised for his ability to finish the fight despite his injury.

Abraham defeated Canadian Sébastien Demers by KO in the third round after two minutes and fifty-seven seconds. Abraham was clearly physically superior than his opponent. Arthur won his fifth title defense by defeating fellow Armenian Khoren Gevor by 11th-round knockout from a powerful left hook.

On 8 December 2007, Abraham defeated Wayne Elcock to make his sixth title defense by technical knockout in the 5th round.

During two of his matches, Arthur Abraham was accompanied by live performances of the Scorpions and is currently accompanied by the track "Ready For The Fight" by The Young Punx.

On 29 March 2008, Abraham defeated American Elvin Ayala via 12th-round KO after connecting with a devastating left hook that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas face first. This was Abraham's 7th successful title defence.

Abraham vs. Miranda II

On 21 June 2008, a rematch between Abraham and Miranda took place at a catchweight of 166 lbs. Abraham's IBF middleweight title was not on the line. Abraham immediately backed Miranda up with hard right jabs before backing off himself behind a high, tight guard. A Miranda right hand landed off the gloves of Abraham as he came out more measured than he had the first time around. Abraham set in to work the body but a stray shot brought a low blow warning from the referee. Miranda made the fight throughout the second round as Abraham did little in the way of punching. Thudding body shots landed on Abraham, but Miranda could get little past the gloves upstairs. A low blow landed from Miranda in the final thirty seconds that brought a brief halt to the action; Abraham calmly caught his breath before returning to his defensive posture.

Abraham waved Miranda forward after another barrage of shots bounced off his gloves before landing two body shots and a hard right hand for his best work of the bout. Miranda drew a warning for holding and hitting before another right hand from Abraham buckled his knees. Abraham stepped back rather than following up, choosing to maintain a methodical game plan. The game plan was sound. In the first minute of the fourth round, a perfectly timed right hand-left hook sent Miranda to the floor. Miranda rose, clearly hurt, and this time Abraham would not fail to press the advantage.

Another left hook would drop Miranda along the ropes and Miranda would again rise but his legs were clearly gone and the end was at hand. Abraham would land a final striking right hand for the round's third knockdown as the referee leapt in to halt the action before Miranda could attempt to rise again.

Abraham vs. Marquez

On 8 November 2008, Abraham defeated Raúl Márquez (41–4–1, 29 KOs), 37, by a 6th round technical knockout, at the Bamberg's Jako Arena, the 8th defense of his IBF middleweight boxing title.

He retained his IBF title on 14 March 2009 against Lajuan Simon, his first fight over 12 rounds since his legendary battle against Edison Miranda. The 10th and last defense of his middleweight title took place in Berlin against Turkish-German boxer Mahir Oral. Abraham won this fight by a 10th-round technical knockout. Oral's coach threw in the towel after several knockdowns.

Super Six World Boxing Classic

After failing to secure a match-up with WBO and WBC champion Kelly Pavlik or WBA champion Felix Sturm, Abraham announced that he would change his weight class to compete at super middleweight. Abraham participated in the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament for the WBA and WBC super middleweight titles. Fellow participants were: WBA champion Mikkel Kessler, WBC champion Carl Froch, Andre Dirrell, Andre Ward and Jermain Taylor.

Abraham vs. Taylor

In his first match of the tournament, Abraham faced Jermain Taylor on 17 October 2009. Arthur was previously supposed to fight Taylor for the undisputed middleweight title, but the fight fell through. Abraham defeated Taylor via a devastating knockout in the 12th round. Taylor was hospitalized with a severe concussion, suffering short term memory loss, unable to remember details of this bout. Taylor was replaced with veteran Allan Green in the tournament. After being released from the hospital, Taylor released a statement saying that he's doing just fine and wanted to congratulate Abraham on his victory and wish him well in the tournament. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was in attendance and was impressed by Abraham's intensity and determination.

As of the end of 2009, The Ring has ranked Abraham as the 14th best boxer in the world. On 5 March 2010, Abraham was ranked #8 in the world by Yahoo! Sports.

Abraham vs. Dirrell

On 27 March 2010, Arthur lost his next fight by disqualification due to hitting Andre Dirrell after he slipped in the 11th round. At the point of the disqualification, the scores were 97–92, 98–91 and 97–92 all in favor of Dirrell.

Abraham vs. Froch

On 27 November 2010, Abraham lost to Carl Froch in his third fight of the tournament, which was also for the vacant WBC super middleweight title. Abraham was dominated from start to finish, losing by a unanimous decision. The scores given by the judges were 119–109, 120–108 and 120–108, which reflected the one-sided nature of the bout.

Abraham vs. Ward

Abraham qualified for the semifinals, having one win out of three fights. But first, Abraham had a pre-fight with Croatian contender Stjepan Božić. Abraham won by technical knockout in the second round due to an injury in Božić's hand.

On 14 May 2011, Abraham faced undefeated American Andre Ward in the Super Six semi finals for the WBA super middleweight title. Abraham lost by unanimous decision. Ward went on to defeat Froch in the finals and won the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament.

Comeback

On 30 October 2011, Abraham originally announced that he intended to return to the middleweight division in 2012 but later decided to remain at super middleweight.

In his first comeback fight on 14 January 2012, Abraham defeated Argentinian Pablo Oscar Natalio Farias via technical knockout in round five and won the vacant WBO European super middleweight championship. After Abraham landed several hard combinations that put Farias down three times in the fifth round, referee Manuel Maritxalar stopped the fight. On 31 March 2012, Abraham defeated former EBU super middleweight champion Piotr Wilczewski by a lopsided unanimous decision to retain his WBO European title. Wilczewski was docked a point in the seventh round and was down in the eleventh round, though it was ruled a slip.

Abraham vs. Stieglitz

On 25 August 2012, Abraham won a twelve-round unanimous decision over Robert Stieglitz to capture the WBO super middleweight championship in a spectacular battle which made Abraham a two-division champion. Abraham became the second Armenian and the first German to win championships in two different divisions. The judges' scores were 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113. The bout took place in O2 World Arena, Berlin, Germany. Abraham was named best boxer of Germany in 2012 by BoxSport magazine. His coach Ulli Wegner was also named the best coach of the year.

Abraham vs. Bouadla, Stieglitz II

Abraham defended his title against Mehdi Bouadla on December 15, 2012. He won via technical knockout in the eighth round.

A rematch with Stieglitz took place on March 23, 2013 in Stieglitz's home of Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. Abraham's eye rapidly swelled shut in the second round and he could soon no longer see. The referee waved him off at the start of the fourth round, resulting in his defeat.

Regaining composure

After losing the World title, Abraham had two more fights in 2013. First he beat Willbeforce Shihepo (20-4, 15 KOs) by 12 round unanimous decision (116-113, 117-111 & 116-112). Abraham claimed the vacant WBO Inter-Continenteal super middleweight title. Two months later, Abraham successfully defended the title against Giovanni De Carolis (20-4, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision (120-108, 119-109 twice).

Abraham vs. Stieglitz III, Sjekloca

A rubber match with Stieglitz took place on March 1, 2014, with the WBO super middleweight title on the line once again. Stieglitz was down in round 12 once but beat the count. Abraham won the fight by split decision (112-113, 114-111 & 115-110).

Abraham made his first defence of his second World title reign against Serbian Nikkola Sjekloca (28-1, 8 KOs). The fight went full 12 rounds as Abraham came out victorious on points on all three judges scorecards (116-112, 116-113, 119-110).

Abraham vs. Smith I, II

On September 27, 2014, Abraham defeated English boxer Paul Smith (35-3, 20 KOs) at Sparkassen-Arena in Germany. The fight went full 12 rounds as Abraham won on all three judges scorecards by a wide margin (119-109 & 117-111 twice). The scorecards were derided in some quarters for being too wide given the competitiveness of the fight. Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn dubbed the decision a "disgrace".

The two met in a rematch on February 21, 2015 at the O2 World Arena in Berlin. This also went the full 12 rounds as Abraham won via points on all three scorecards (116-112, 117-111 twice).

Abraham vs. Stieglitz IV, Murray

Abraham fought Robert Stieglitz (47-4-1 27 KOs) for the fourth and final time on July 18, 2015 at the Gerry Weber Stadium, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Abraham won via TKO in the sixth round. Stieglitz was knocked down in round 4 once but managed to pick himself back up. Abraham was ahead on three judges scorecards at the time on stoppage (48-46, 50-44, 49-45).

On November 21, 2015, Abraham defended his WBO World title against 33 year old British boxer Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs) at the TUI Arena in Hannover. Murray was on a three match winning streak. The fight went full 12 rounds as Abraham won via split decision (116-111, 115-112, 112-115). Murray lost one point for holding in round eleven, which did not affect the outcome.

Abraham vs. Ramirez

Abraham lost to undefeated Gilberto Ramírez (33-0, 24 KOs) on April 9, 2016 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley Jr. III undercard. Abraham slipped to a (1-3) record in the United States following the defeat. Ramirez won every round (120-108 three times) with a superior jab, a consistent mix of head and body power punches, and superior head and foot movement. Ramirez won on the punch count by outworking Abraham all night in almost every round by volume. It was not a close bout.

Abraham vs. Lihaug

Team Sauerland announced that Abraham would fight on July 16, 2016 in his first bout since losing his 168-pound world title on April 9. Abraham will face 23 year old Tim-Robin Lihaug (15-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBO International super middleweight title at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin. Abraham won the fight with a decisive TKO victory stopping Lihaug in round 8 to claim the title, previously vacated by Gilberto Ramirez.

Cancelled Murray rematch

Early talks in October suggested Abraham and Martin Murray (33-4-1, 16 KOs) could meet for the second time in Monaco on November 12, 2016. The fight was scheduled take place at the Salle des Étoiles. The fight was announced as a non-title bout, where the winner would be the mandatory challenger for the WBO super middleweight title, the same title Abraham lost to Gilberto Ramirez in April 2016. Abraham suffered an elbow injury in training which pulled him off the card. It was thought that a rematch would take place at a future date, however Murray would find another opponent for the Monte Carlo card. Russian boxer Dmitry Chudinov would step in Abraham's place until he withdrew due to a virus, having Nuhu Lawal replace him.

Abraham vs. Krasniqi

The World Boxing Organization ordered a purse bid to take place on January 4, 2017 in Hungary for an eliminator between Abraham, ranked number two and number three ranked two time light heavyweight challenger Robin Krasniqi (46-4, 17 KOs) with $300,000 being the minimum bid. On January 14, an agreement was reached for an eliminator to take place on April 22. A press conference on February 19 confirmed that the fight would take place at the Messe Erfurt Convention Center in Erfurt, Germany. Abraham constantly hurt Krasniqi in the second half of the fight on his way to winning a 12-round unanimous decision and once again earned a world title match. The judges at ringside scored the fight 118-110, 115-114 and 117-111 in Abraham's favor. Krasniqi started the fight well using his height advantage. The fight turned around when Abraham caught Krasniqi in round 6 with a right hand. This turned the fight around and put Krasniqi on the back-foot. Abraham spent most of the later rounds cutting off the ring.

Abraham vs. Eubank Jr.

Reports suggested on 1 June 2017 that Chris Eubank Jr. would make his ring return in July 2017 defending his IBO super middleweight title against Abraham in London. It is believed that Eubank Jr. was offered in the region of £3 million. The two potential dates discussed were the 15th and 22nd of July. It would be regarded as Eubank Jr.'s biggest fight since his loss to Saunders in 2014. On 5 June, it was confirmed that the fight would take place at the Wembley Arena on 15 July and televised on ITV Box Office. The official press announcement was scheduled to take place on 7 June. On 7 July, the World Boxing Super Series announced the winner would be taking part in the super-middleweight knockout tournament. At the Draft Gala in Monte Carlo on 8 July, Chris Eubank Sr., who represented both Abraham and Eubank Jr. picked undefeated Turkish contender Avni Yildrim (16-0, 10 KOs). At the weigh in, Abraham weighed 12st 1lb 5oz, which was 1lb 13oz over the limit. He was given two hours to lose the extra weight. Eubank Jr. weighed inside the limit at 11st 13lb 3oz. It was said that if Abraham couldn't make weight a second time, the fight would still take place in a non-title fight. Abraham made weight on third attempt.

Eubank Jr. won via a unanimous decision with the scorecards 120-108, 120-108 and 118-110. Abraham had little to offer, mostly in defence mode as Eubank Jr. out landed and outpointed him. Eubank Jr. landed staggering uppercuts throughout the fight, many single and some in combinations, with Abraham only managing to connect a few shots clean, but left little to no damage. Abraham suffered his second defeat in his last four fights.

Life outside of boxing

Abraham gained much popularity in Germany and appeared regularly in various formats on German television. On 24 October 2009, he appeared in Cologne, Germany for an exhibition match against entertainer Oliver Pocher in a bouncy, castle-like "ring" and fought with huge, air-cushion-like boxing gloves. On 9 April 2010, Abraham took to the dance show Let's Dance on RTL with partner Nina Uszkureit, but left after the first episode of the show in order to concentrate fully on his boxing career.

In the movie Max Schmeling, he played a supporting role of boxer Richard Vogt, Schmeling´s last opponent. Just as in real life, Ulli Wegner was in his corner.

German actor and producer Til Schweiger invited Abraham to act in his film Crime Scene. Til and Abraham have been familiar with each other for a long time. Abraham is playing a pimp in the film. His character is a leader of a gang that controls the shadow business.

Abraham was included in the panel of judges for the “Miss Germany” beauty pageant in 2012 and 2013.

On January 9, 2013, the RA Ministry of Diaspora hosted a presser for Abraham. Minister Hranush Hakobyan praised Abraham as a role model and awarded him the "Poghos Nubar" medal.

Abraham sent a letter of condolence on the death of Vladimir Yengibaryan to his family.

Personal life

His family members call him "Avo", short for Avetik. Abraham married his wife Mary, then a Yerevan State University student, in 2015. The wedding took place in Armenia and was not publicized; he informed media of his marriage six months later. His younger brother Alexander is also a professional boxer, and his older brother Christian owns a furniture shop.

Abraham plans on opening a boxing school in Armenia following his future retirement. He will also have foreign language classes for students at the boxing school, such as English and German, to help have success internationally.

He received German citizenship in August 2006. Abraham is a stage name, so he had to draw a painting at the registration office to register it in his passport.

On 21 September 2008, Abraham and fellow boxer Vic Darchinyan were honored by Armenian President Serge Sargsyan during a 20th anniversary celebration of the nation's independence. Both men were awarded with medals "For the great services for Armenia" of the first degree.

Awards