Top Rank Boxing’s undefeated super middleweight Steve Nelson has landed a great spot on an upcoming ESPN show and he plans to make the most of the jump to the big stage.

Nelson (15-0, 12 KO’s) will now fight fellow-undefeated Cem Kilic (14-0, 9 KO’s) in a 10-rounder for the vacant NABO title Saturday, January 11 as the co-feature to the Jesse Hart-Joe Smith Jr. main event at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A bicep injury to middleweight Rob Brant, that required some surgery, changed things up for the staff at Top Rank Boxing who had scheduled Brant to be fighting January 11 as part of the Hart/Smith Jr. card. So, a quick lineup shuffle saw a great opportunity for Omaha, Nebraska’s undefeated super middleweight Steve Nelson.

Nelson was prepared and excited to be part of stablemate Terence Crawford’s card at Madison Square Garden on December 14 in New York City. However, when the January 11 bout for Brant had to be changed, he was presented with the opportunity to wait a month and co-headline with Hart and Smith, on ESPN. Nelson was thrilled at the new opportunity and jumped at the chance to be put in the co-headline spoon the bill.

This fight is a big one for the Nelson, who trains out of the B+B Boxing Academy in Omaha, Nebraska under the direction of Brian McIntyre. Nelson is in tough with the Buddy McGirt-trained Kilic who will also be looking to use the high profile event to gain some traction in front of a large audience.

Nelson, a United States Army veteran, turned pro in 2016 and has been perfect in 15 bouts. A win against an undefeated prospect like Kilic could be the ticket to bigger fights and his eventual hope of one day fighting for a world title. But, for Nelson, who is famous for entering the ring with some very stylish and unique (self-designed and made) ring outfits, it all starts with a big win on January 11th in Jersey.

In a recent interview with Cornerman Boxing in New York, Nelson expressed his excitement at this great opportunity and his desire to certainly make the most out of it.

“It’s time to step it up”, said an enthused Nelson. “It’s where everybody is going to say, ‘hey, who is this dude? He got a lot skills to offer to the boxing world. The world is going to see”, he said.

Being a stablemate of Terence Crawford, considered by many as the very best in boxing, has afforded the opportunity for Nelson to be on some big shows with Crawford and Top Rank. However, moving into a co-headlining slot on ESPN brings things to a new level for him and an impressive win could land him a real big fight.

“This (co-headlining ESPN) is like going from a 5th round draft pick to a 1st round”, he said with a smile.

Via MaxBoxing.com

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Indian boxer Vijender Singh clinched the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title with a dominant win over former WBC European champion Kerry Hope in new Delhi.

Vijender, 30, took all 10 rounds to dismantle the 34-year-old Welsh-born Australian to record his seventh straight win in the pro circuit, a year after turning professional.

It was the longest bout of Vijender’s pro career and also his first points win after six knockouts. Vijender was named unanimous winner after being score 98-92, 98-92, 100-90 by the three judges.

Vijender, who as an amateur became India’s first Olympic and World Championships medallist, was hardly pushed despite playing all 10 rounds, and was cheered deliriously by a packed partisan crowd.

“It’s not about myself, it’s about my nation, my country,” Vijender said after the win.

Vijender seemed to be looking for a knockout blow from the very beginning even though Kerry was the more attacking of the two. But Kerry’s inability to connect cleanly proved to be his undoing against Vijender, who waited patiently to throw his accurate blows.

Hope’s shorter arms further hampered his ability to find a way past Vijender’s defence early on.

“This comes after a lot of hard work put in by me, my trainer and my team. I thank my coach, my promoter and my team who have done a fantastic job. I also thank all the fans, the celebrities and sportspersons who have come to watch my bout today. The countdown has just begun,” Vijender said.

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Photo: Team SES / P. Gercke –

Super middleweight Robert Stieglitz, heavyweight Francesco Pianeta and SES head trainer Dirk Dzemski held a media day from their training camp at the ‘Strandhotel Fischland’ in Dierhagen, Germany. Journalists, photographers and TV crews enjoyed “Sturm-free” weather at the Baltic Sea resort.

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Stieglitz (47-4, 27 KOs) will face Felix Sturm (39-4-2, 18 KOs) in a clash of former wornld champions on November 8 at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. On the same card, Pianeta (30-1-1, 17 KOs) will take on Ivica Bacurin (18-6-1, 8 KOs).

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/stieglitz-pianeta-media-day-264834

Born in Russia but resides in Germany, Robert Stieglitz began his professional career in 2001 defeating Petr Pokorny by unanimous decision. Stieglitz went on to knock out nine of his first twelve opponents. Only a year in to his professional career, he won the vacant IBF Youth Light Heavyweight title. After making three successful defenses, he vacated his title and went down to the Super Middleweight division. On February 2004, he defeated Galen Brown by technical knockout for the vacant IBF Youth Super Middleweight title. His first world title opportunity came against Alejandro Berrio for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight title but he came up short, losing by technical knockout in the 3rd round. Two years later (2009), Stieglitz got another shot, this time against Karoly Balzay for the WBO Super Middleweight title. Stieglitz won by technical knockout in the 11th round.

Lost his title in a 12-round unanimous decision against Arthur Abraham on August 25, 2012.

On March 23, 2013 regained his title against Arthur Abraham by Technical Knockout in the four round at the GETEC Arena, Magdeburg, Germany

 

REGIONAL TITLES:

1. IBF Youth Light Heavyweight Champion

2. IBF Youth Super Middleweight Champion

3. IBF Inter-Continental Super Middleweight Champion

4. WBC International Super Middleweight Champion

WORLD TITLES:

1. WBO Super Middleweight Champion

A deal has been finalized for Arthur Abraham (34-3, 27KOs) to challenge WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (42-2, 23KOs) on August 25 at O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The two boxers met face to face at press conference to announce the fight. An army of reporters and photographers turned out to catch the action.

“I’m happy that this fight will take place at o2 World. I was hoping for another chance to show my skills in this incredible arena in front of as many fans as possible. I am looking forward to entertain them again, like I did back in 2009 with my last round knockout against Jermain Taylor,” said Arthur Abraham.

Robert Stieglitz is not fazed at all with the outlook of fighting in Abraham’s backyard: “That’s my belt and we are going to battle for it – in the end it will still be mine. I will prove that my championship is legitimate, no matter of the opposition, time or place.”

Ticket sales for Robert Stieglitz vs. Arthur Abraham are going to start this Friday, June 8. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventim.de or www.o2world-berlin.de. Alternatively, ticket information can be obtained at www.boxing-online.com or www.sesboxing.de.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=53687

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El campeón argentino y latino supermediano de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el invicto platense Ezequiel “El Olímpico” Maderna, se impuso sobre el ex monarca argentino, sudamericano y latino OMB, el ex retador mundialista bonaerense Rubén “Siru” Acosta, por puntos, en un amplio fallo unánime, tras doce asaltos, y así defendió por segunda ocasión su corona latina OMB, en un combate revancha que fue el estelar de la velada desarrollada en la noche del sábado en el Club Atlético Platense de La Plata, La Plata, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Además, Maderna repitió lo ocurrido el 5 de marzo de 2011, cuando lo derrotó en amplio fallo unánime y le arrebató el cinturón argentino.

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Ante un retador que siempre intentó acortar las distancias para acertar sus ascendentes, cruzados y boleados, Maderna debió esforzarse para frenarlo con sus derechas cruzadas y ascendentes al rostro, sumados a algunos ganchos al cuerpo, que acusaron recibo en el marplatense. Por momentos, logró conmoverlo cuando se decidió a trabajar al cuerpo. Cada vez que descargó sus derechas e izquierdas a las costillas y la zona hepática, encontraron marcado destino en su rival. Y más allá de estar algo dubitativo para resolver con su derecha cuando lo tuvo contra las cuerdas, llevó las acciones de principio a fin. Por más que el férreo “Siru” apeló a toda su experiencia y sus incesantes avances, careció de claridad. Tan es así que sufrió tres descuentos de puntos: uno en el segundo, producto de un golpe en la nuca, y dos en el quinto, fruto de un nuevo envió en la nuca y el restante por cabezazo. Y como si fuera poco, en el séptimo, quien fuera el único representante argentino en los Juegos Olímpicos de Pekín 2008 cerca estuvo de definirlo, tras enviarlo a la lona con un contundente gancho zurdo al hígado. Sin embargo, debió trabajar hasta el campanazo final, para conocer su merecida victoria.

 Las tarjetas de los jueces expresaron en números gran parte de la diferencia exhibida, al decretar: Héctor Primerano 120-104, Héctor Miguel 119-105, Jorge Milicay 119-105, todas para el dueño de casa. Para NotiFight.com, la victoria fue de 117-107.

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De entrada, el campeón dijo presente cuando descargó su izquierda directa a la mejilla, que lo hizo retroceder. Ante un retador que avanzaba, Maderna lo mantenía lejos y contragolpeaba cuando combinó su izquierda en punta y su cross diestro arriba, aunque sin mayores consecuencias. En el segundo, mientras Acosta procuraba acortar para soltar su derecha directa al rostro, el local lo llevó a una esquina e impactó un cross diestro al estómago. Entrando y saliendo, el bonaerense pero marplatense por adopción filtró su izquierda cruzada al plexo. Pero en el cruce siguiente, “El Olímpico” lo llevó a las cuerdas y descargó su cross derecho al mentón. Y tras un clinch, el visitante lo golpeo en la nuca, lo que le valió el descuento de un punto por parte del árbitro Gustavo Tomás.

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En el tercero, el “Siru” acortó la distancia y acertó su izquierda cruzada a la mandíbula. Con el campeón a la defensiva, descargó un cross diestro al mentón. Y apostando siempre a su veloces traslados, entró a la corta y volvió a encontrarlo con una izquierda ascendente a la mandíbula, bien asimilada por el local. En el siguiente, con Acosta en retroceso, Maderna impactó un certero cross zurdo a la mandíbula, que acusó recibo. Recién en ese momento comenzó a trabajar al cuerpo con su gancho derecho a las costillas, para frenar sus embates.

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Tras estudiarlo en el comienzo del quinto, el platense lo hizo trastabillar con un cross zurdo a la mandíbula. Segundos después, el marplatense volvió a impactarlo en la nuca, lo que le valió el segundo descuento de un punto. El desprolijo avance del visitante originó un duro choque de cabezas, que luego de la intervención del médico atendiendo la nariz del local, obligó a Tomás otro descuento de punto a Acosta, quien además terminó recibiendo el cross derecho del invicto sobre su mentón.

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En el sexto, Maderna volvió a llevarlo a las cuerdas, donde descargó dos potentes derechas cruzadas a las costillas. El “Siru” acortó y acertó su izquierda boleada plena al pómulo. Y a pesar de dos cross diestros del platense al cuerpo, el retador lo complicó en la corta, donde arremetió con una nueva izquierda cruzada a la mandíbula.

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Luego de que se midieran al inicio del séptimo, un visitante más activo logró filtrar su izquierda ascendente al mentón en corto, aunque sin consecuencias. Pero cuando parecía que el visitante se llevaba el asalto, “El Olímpico” descargó un contundente gancho zurdo al hígado que acusó tanto recibo en un retador que, con retroceso, se fue al suelo. Tras ello, Maderna fue a la carga y volvió a impactar sus derechas e izquierdas curvas a las costillas, y sólo la guapeza del marplatense lo ayudó a permanecer de pie.

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Pero en el octavo, el local volvió a la carga. Lo llevó a una esquina y combinó su izquierda en gancho a la zona hepática, su cross derecho y ascendente al mentón, levantando a su público. Acosta logró salir del asedio con veloces pasos laterales y un gancho zurdo a la mejilla. Pero sólo segundo después, Maderna volvió a conmoverlo cuando impactó su derecha recta a las costillas y ascendente al mentón.

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Anticipando con su izquierda en punta salió el local en el noveno, donde acertó su cross diestro al mentón. A pesar de los incesantes avances del marplatense que buscaba con boleados y ascendentes al rostro, el campeón fue más certero con sus derechas cruzadas a la mandíbula. Con ambos tomándose un respiro arrancó el siguiente. El “Siru” dijo presente con un cross zurdo leve a la mandíbula de un platense por momentos dubitativo. Y con su rival avanzando, Acosta contragolpeó con una izquierda curva pero algo ascendente a la mandíbula, para frenarlo.

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Con un tan veloz como contundente cross diestro a la mejilla, “El Olímpico” hizo retroceder al retador al iniciar el undécimo. Y tras cederle la iniciativa, lo frenó con su derecha ascendente al pecho. Pero tras conectar otro uppercut diestro al mentón, bajó su guardia y recibió el largo gancho zurdo de Acosta sobre su mandíbula.

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Sobre el final, el local evitó los riesgos y mantuvo la distancia con su izquierda en punta al mentón. Con un “Siru” intentando acortar para encontrarlo con su izquierda boleada, lo frenó con su uppercut diestro al mentón. Y luego de esquivar y dejar los envíos del visitante en el aire, filtró esporádicas derechas ascendentes al rostro, suficientes para llevarse la vuelta, y originar el aplauso de sus seguidores. Tras el campanazo definitivo, sólo habría tiempo para las tan previsibles como merecidas tarjetas de los jurados, que desataron el festejo de todo el público local, a sabiendas que el cinturón permanecería en casa.

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De esta forma, Maderna, que pesó 76,200 kg., actual N° 10 del ranking OMB de la división, y que no expuso su corona argentina, repite lo ocurrido el 5 de marzo de 2011, cuando lo derrotó en otro amplio fallo unánime y le arrebató el cinturón nacional en este mismo escenario . Con este resultado, retiene por segunda ocasión el cetro que conquistó el 28 de mayo de 2011 cuando liquidó en menos de tres minutos al bonaerense Martín Bruer, y que refrendó el 27 agosto, al pulverizar al uruguayo Jorge Rodríguez Olivera, por nocaut técnico en tres capítulos, ambos en City Bell, Buenos Aires. Llegaba tras dar cuenta del cordobés Darío Balmaceda en menos de un round, en defensa de su corona nacional, el 5 de noviembre en City Bell. Así, aumenta su marca a 17 victorias (12 KOs), en igual cantidad de peleas. En tanto Acosta, que también registró 76,200 kg., y que además de haber sido monarca argentino, sudamericano y latino OMB de la categoría, disputó sin éxito el título mundial supermediano OMB, al caer como visitante frente alemán al local Robert Stieglitz el 9 de enero de 2010, desmejora a 24 triunfos (8 KOs), 7 derrotas y 5 empates.

 

Por Nicolás Samuilov, samuilov@notifight.com, en Ringside

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Resultado_2/Maderna_derrot_amplio_a_Acosta_en_LP.php

WBO Latino Super Middleweight champion Ezequiel “El Olímpico” Maderna (17-0, 12 KOs) of Argentina again unanimously decisioned countryman Rubén “Siru” Acosta (24-7-5, 8 KOs). The bout was a rematch of their first fight over a year ago where Maderna unanimously decisioned Acosta. Maderna won this time even wider on the scorecards. After 12 completed rounds the official judges scores read 120-104 and 119-105 twice. Acosta was deducted points for hitting Maderna behind the head in rounds two and five. In round seven Maderna scored a knockdown when a shot to the liver area of Acosta had him holding on and eventually going down but he beat the count. The bout was marred by a lot of holding on the inside, but Maderna clearly landed the cleaner punches by far. The bout took placeat el Club Atlético Platense de La Plata La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina Boxing Promotions, headed by Mario Margossian promoted the event.

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Photos: Ramón Cairo

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/maderna-defeats-acosta-again-116628

It is a fight series is billed as “Fast and Furious” by promoter Yvon Michel and that’s exactly what was delivered by headliner Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (18-1 15KO) who stopped WBC Silver belt holder Noe Gonzalez (28-2 20KO) at 1:40 of the 2nd round in front of 2853 Bell Centre fans. After being the aggressor and establishing a solid body attack in the first round, Stevenson let his hands go in the second and didn’t stop. A left hand early in the barrage seemed to stun the Argentine fighter and from there on it was bombs away as the hometown fighter pressured and didn’t let up. After several consecutive head shots, referee Michael Griffin stepped in and stopped the action.

Gonzalez who seemed hurt several times during the barrage did little to protest the referee’s decision, walking meekly back to his corner one the contest was called.

“The punch that originally hurt his opponent wasn’t even a clean blow,” said Stevenson’s trainer Emanuel Steward. “It was a half-blocked blow and that is an attribute to the punching power of Adonis Stevenson.”

“It was my left hook I caught him with,” confirmed Stevenson, “I was like a snake. I saw him shaking and I just finished him.”

“He was always in balance and placed his punches really well,” said Steward. “He finished him off with well placed punches, very short accurate punches so he got caught with a lot of clean blows.”

It was Steward’s second fight with the Haitian born Stevenson and marked the first time the trainer has had a chance to give instructions between rounds. “It’s been two fights and he hasn’t got a drop of water on his trunks yet. I told him he was fighting a masterpiece and to continue what he was doing. He was getting anxious or overly aggressive just be patient and try to make him back up more. He wasn’t a counter puncher, he was a strong guy with his muscles all greased up to try and look impressive, but I noticed he could only fight coming forward so I said try and back him up and get him in a corner.”

With the win, Stevenson adds the WBC silver belt to his ever growing prize closet of hardware including the NABO, NABA and IBF Intercontinental. But while the WBC is a very real possibility the IBF #2 fighter still has his eyes set on fellow Montrealer Lucian Bute. Promoter Yvon Michel will keep the fighter on the shelf till at least after Bute’s May 26 bout with Carl Froch so the fighter will be available for any potential fight for mandatory challenger. “We expect a fight two days after the Froch fight to see if we’re free to fight for the number one position. The other think is that Ward already said that he is not fighting Anthony Dirrell. By having the silver if that title ever becomes vacant, he will be chosen along with Dirrell to fight for it. So right now we have a bit of a waiting game before scheduling his next fight. He’s in the position everywhere right now.”

For the fighter himself, the goal is still clear, “It doesn’t matter the WBC or the IBF, I want to fight Bute in Montreal” Stevenson said, “In Montreal you need big fights like that, me and Bute.”

By Dave Spencer
Photos Herby Whyne

http://www.fightnews.ca/mtl120420.cfm

WBO European champion Arthur Abraham (34-3, 27KOs) is ready for the challenge of facing full WBO king Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs). BoxingScene.com reported on Wednesday that British boxer George Groves (14-0, 11KOs) was removed from the mandatory position – and the sanctioning organization approved Abraham (34-3, 27KOs) as the new mandatory challenger to Stieglitz.

Groves was scheduled to face Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs) on May 5th in Germany. On Tuesday he withdrew with a nose injury. Stieglitz was given the option of making a voluntary defense on May 5, but then he has 90 days to fight Abraham.

Abraham wants the fight and he was confident his countryman would have defeated Groves.

“I think Stieglitz would beat Groves because he is a lot stronger. I want to [face] Stieglitz, because he also lives in Germany – and for German fans [the two of us fighting] for a world title will be very interesting,” Abraham said.

 

By Ruslan Chikov

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51940

MONTREAL (April 16, 2012) – Rising light heavyweight star Eleider “Storm” Alvarez takes on battled-tested veteran Rayco “War” Saunders in this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights co-feature at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal.

WBO NABO Super Middleweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (17-1, 14 KOs) headlines another installment of the popular Fast and Furious Series, presented in Montreal by Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron, in a 10-round unification bout with World Boxing Council (“WBC”) No. 2-ranked Noe “El Carbonero” Gonzalez (28-1, 20 KOs).

 Alvarez (7-0, 5 KOs), a 2008 Colombian Olympian who now lives in Montreal, is the undefeated North American Boxing Organization (“NABO”) champion on a fast track to stardom. He captured the NABO title in his seventh pro fight, knocking out Emiliano Cavetano (21-3) in the opening round last December, and Eleider is already ranked No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (“WBO”).

“Storm” faces Saunders (22-15-2, 9 KOs), who has been stopped only once in his pro career, in an eight-round, non-title fight. Saunders has defeated world-title challenger Tommy Karpency and fought three-time world title challenger Danny Santiago to a draw. World-class fighters such as Ismayl Sillakh, Edison Miranda, Marcus Oliveira and Chris Henry have been unable to stop the crafty boxer from Pittsburgh.

Another Colombian Olympian also living in Montreal, unbeaten heavyweight prospect Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (9-0, 6 KOs), meets veteran Kendrick “The Apostle” Releford (22-16-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Adonis Stevenson

“In addition to a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate in Stevenson-Gonzalez,” promoter Yvon Michel (GYM) commented, “boxing fans at Bell Centre and those watching on ESPN will see two top prospects in Alvarez and Rivas. They both have unlimited potential but this Friday evening will each face the stiffest tests of their young careers.”

Also fighting on the undercard is super featherweight Baha Laham (8-0, 3 KOs) vs. Leonis Francois (8-6, 2 KOs) in an eight-round bout, heavyweight Eric Barrack (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Sandy Pembroke (2-4, 1 KO) in a six-round match, and Montreal light heavyweight Schiller Hyppolite (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Martin Desjardins. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Officials for the Stevenson/Gonzalez Unification are:

Supervisor: Mike George, Rhode Island, USA

Referee: Michel Albert Griffin, Canada

Judges: Jack Woodburn, Canada

Claude Paquette, Canada

Richard Flaherty, Massachusetts, USA

 

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/04/storm-rising-as-alvarez-battles-saunders-in-this-weeks-espn-fnf-co-feature-stevenson-gonzalez-unification-title-fight-headlines-montreal-show/

Super middleweight George Groves (14-0, 11KOs) has announced that he suffered an injury in training, which didn’t heal in time, and he’s been forced to withdraw from his upcoming fight with WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs), scheduled to take place on Sauerland Event’s big show on May 5th in Germany. Groves previously suffered an injury which forced him to withdraw from a rematch with Kenny Anderson a few weeks ago. The Anderson rematch is still on the ledger for June 30th.

The fight with Stieglitz was made after the WBO named Groves as the mandatory challenger to the super middleweight title. Anderson is the mandatory challenger to Groves’ British title.

“I am sorry to have to announce that I won’t be boxing on May 5th. I have picked up an injury in the build up to this fight. We tried to work through it but soon realized I wouldn’t be able to perform the training needed to prepare for this fight. After coming back to London immediately and seeking medical advice, I hope that this problem will be sorted soon and will only be a short delay,” Groves wrote.

“I am truly sorry to everyone involved who will be affected by this. This is without a doubt the toughest decision I have ever had to make, I am gutted but nothing worth having is given away. It has only made me more determined to achieve my goal of becoming world champion. Thanks to everyone again for their continued support in my journey.”

 

By Edward Chaykovsky

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51848

Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany – “King” Arthur Abraham (34-3, 27 KOs) continued his renaissance after two disappointing years of defeats and letdowns, with his second win this year and once again versus a capable opponent. WBO #2 and WBA/IBF #4 Abraham used his power and some brute male force to beat down Polish contender Piotr Wilczewski over twelve, fairly one-sided rounds. All three judges saw the fight almost the same: 118-109 (Zoltan Enyedi and Michael Leu) and 119-108 (Ingo Barrabas) for the defending WBO European champion, who didn’t look his best or his his worst either, while BoxingScene had it a bit closer at 116-111.

 

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51282

Piotr Wilczewksi (30-2, 10 KOs) is the last obstacle between Arthur Abraham (33-3, 27 KOs) and another world title shot. “If Arthur wins on Saturday night, he will be the highest-ranked challenger in the WBO ratings and face the winner of Stieglitz-Groves,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said at today´s press conference. “It´s all or nothing for Arthur. He needs to win against Wilczewski.”

Abraham is ready to make things happen. “It will be a tough fight, but I have trained well,” he stated. “We have trained very hard and I am in good shape. I will win on Saturday, that´s all I want to say right now.”

After missing yesterday´s public work-out due to an airport strike in Germany, his opponent showed up on time today for the press conference. “Being stuck at Munich airport was no problem for me,” said Wilczewski, a former European Super-Middleweight Champion. “I just trained at the airport. I eventually reached Kiel at 20:30 last night. It does not bother me. I am ready for Abraham. We know what he will do and we don´t expect any surprises.”

In the co-featured main event, European Light Heavyweight Champion Eduard Gutknecht (23-1, 9 KOs) takes on Tony Averlant (17-5-2, 4 KOs). “I have to defend my belt because my kids want to keep playing with it,” Gutknecht said with a smile. Also in action will be unbeaten cruiserweight sensation Mateusz Masternak (25-0, 19 KOs), who comes face-to-face with Felipe Romero (15-4-1, 9 KOs). “European champion Alexander Alekseev better watches this clash closely,” Kalle Sauerland stated. “We plan to challenge him very soon with Mateusz. He has great potential.”

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/abraham-closing-in-on-world-title-shot-111449

BoxingScene.com has been informed that SES Boxing, who promote WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23KOs), secured the rights to the mandatory defense against British titleholder George Groves (14-0, 11KOs). The WBO held a purse bid earlier today in Budapest, Hungary. Reportedly SES submitted “around $800,000.”

Stieglitz was scheduled to defend his title against Mikkel Kessler on April 14th in Coppenhagen, but BoxingScene broke the news earlier today that Kessler is still dealing with a right hand injury and withdrew from the contest . Kessler will return on May 19th against a new opponent.

Groves has a fight scheduled on Friday night in Wembley, as he faces dangerous puncher Kenny Anderson (15-1, 11KOs) in a rematch.

 

By Rick Reeno

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50540

Team Sauerland has announced that Mikkel Kessler’s next fight in Copenhagen has been postponed to May 19. The Viking Warrior has not yet regained the necessary fitness following last year´s hand surgery, forcing him to pull out of the April 14 clash with WBO Super-Middleweight Champion Robert Stieglitz. Details about the new opponent will be announced at a press conference next week. “I hate to keep my fans waiting and I am really sorry about the delay,” Kessler said. “As a boxer, my fists are my biggest weapon. To fight and to win at the highest level, I need my hand to be fully recovered. Unfortunately, the April 14 date comes just a little too early but I will be ready on May 19. I have kept my shape and can´t wait to be fighting again in front of my Danish fans.”

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: “Although I believe that Mikkel would defeat 90 percent of the super-middleweights out there with just one hand, we will not let him into the ring when he is not fully recovered. His health has always been our top priority. The five-week delay is disappointing but it´s not the end of the world. On May 19, Mikkel will come back in style and put on a great show.”

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/kessler-pulls-out-of-stieglitz-fight-110117

British super-middleweight championGeorge Groves has been catapulted into the world-title picture, with the WBO ordering a purse bid for a fight against Robert Stieglitz.

Stieglitz, who holds the WBO crown at 12 stone, is a veteran of 29 more professional fights and would represent a significant step up in quality for Groves.

The organisation’s ruling has taken many by surprise, considering both participants are facing difficult assignments next: Stieglitz is scheduled to meet Mikkel Kessler on April 14, while Groves has a rematch with Kenny Anderson on March 16.

Kessler is a two-time world champion who can boast a victory over Carl Froch on his CV; Groves was floored by Anderson before recording a stoppage win when they first met in November 2010, on the undercard of David Haye v Audley Harrison.

In December 2011, Groves’ trainer Adam Booth suggested that his charge was not ready to go for one of the most lucrative honours in the division. “It frightens me how little he knows and how much he’s got to do,” Booth told West London Sport.

“I’ve got no problem stating what his weaknesses are at the moment. I’m telling everyone that if you fight George, look for him with the right because you’ll find him.”

The purse bid will take place in Hungary on March 12.

 

http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/139942.html

It was officially announced today that WBO Europe super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (33-3, 27 KOs) will take on Piotr Wilczewski (30-2, 10 KOs) at the Sparkassen-Arena in Kiel, Germany on March 31. “It´s all or nothing for Arthur,“ promoter Kalle Sauerland said at a press conference in Kiel. “He needs to beat Wilczewski to put himself back in a position to fight for the world title.” Abraham, who celebrated a successful return in January when he knocked out Pablo Farias in the fifth round, knows it´s make or break. “I know there is a lot of pressure but I will make a good fight and beat Wilczewski,” he stated. “I have high goals. I want to be world champion again.” Added coach Ulli Wegner: “We don´t fight any push-overs or easy opponents. It´s very simple, I expect a good fight from Arthur and a victory.” Said Wilczewski, a former European Super-Middleweight Champion: “I´m coming here to win. Arthur is a strong guy but I will defeat him.”

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/abraham-wilczewski-presser-109216

 

As we previously reported, Piotr Wilczewski (30-2, 10 KOs) will be the opponent for WBO Europe Super Middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (33-3, 27 KOs) on the 31st of March in Kiel. Abraham’s trainer Ulli Wegner, has a lot of respect for the Polish boxer and expects a much tougher challenge than the one presented by Abraham’s opponent in January, Pablo Farias.

“Wilczewski is a very versatile fighter. He was a good amateur, and last year he won the championship belt of Europe while fighting in rough terrain in Finland. He is a much more demanding fighter than Farias. I am confident that fans in Kiel will see an interesting fight,” said Wegner.

For his part, Arthur Abraham said – “We have already started preparations for the fight in Kiel. First I have to overcome Wilczewski, and then I’ll get a world title fight.”

 

By Luke Furman

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49884

 

As a nice distraction from the everyday training, WBO super middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz celebrated “Rose Monday” among the carnival revelers in Köthen, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, the hometown of his trainer Dirk Dzemski. The champion was invited to b guest of honor in the largest carnival parade in Central Germany. Just beginning his training camp for his April 14 clash with Mikkel Kessler in Copenhagen, this trip was a pleasant and above all fun change of pace. Tens of thousands were on hand to take part in the festivities as the parade moved through the city Köthen with Stieglitz right in the middle tossing sweets from a float, shouting “KU-KA-KÖ” and of course signing many autographs.

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/robert-stieglitz-update-2-108576

 

If you were one of the many boxing fans that were hoping to see American talents WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Andre Ward or Andre Dirrell get the first crack at the April 14th winner of the Mikkel Kessler (44-2, 33 KO’s) vs. Robert Stieglitz (41-2, 23 KO’s), you can pretty much forget all about that happening because it’s not going to go down.

WBO Europe Super Middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (33-3, 27 KO’s) was recently installed as the number #2 contender by the World Boxing Organization and he’s already talking about getting a shot at the winner of the Kessler-Stieglitz fight.

Both Kessler and Abraham fight for Sauerland Promotions, which kind of makes it academic that the fight will be happening next. Will be surprised if Kessler faces Abraham rather than Dirrell or Ward? Nope! I never was crazy enough to think that Kessler would fight either of them in the first place because he already got spanked by Ward once in November 2009 in the Super Six tournament and he’s been making excuses ever since.

And facing Dirrell is like the same as Kessler fighting Ward. Both of them are almost carbon copy talents, only Dirrell brings a little more hand and foot speed and defensive skills to the table.

Kessler will play it safe by fighting the short 5’9” Abraham to get an easy win rather than risking his hide fighting the likes of Ward or Dirrell and losing the WBO belt in his first title defense.

However, I have strong doubts that Kessler will even get by Stieglitz because that’s going to be a very tough fight for him and he’s already badly faded from what he was in 2007. Stieglitz has gotten Kessler at the right point in his career when Stieglitz is at his best and Kessler is on the downside of his career. All Stieglitz has to do is outwork Kessler and he’ll get the ‘W’ in this fight.

 

By Scott Gilfoid:

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/02/abraham-will-likely-face-kessler-stieglitz-winner/

 

Former champion Arthur Abraham is focused on capturing a new championship at 168-pounds. Abraham (33-3, 27KOs) returned last month and knocked out Pablo Farias in five rounds. With the victory Abraham captured the WBO’s European title at super middleweight. He will be watching April’s fight between WBO champion Robert Stieglitz and former two-time beltholder Mikkel Kessler.

 

By Yuri Tarantino, Allboxing.ru

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=49542