Fallen 'King' Abraham out to prove a point

BERLIN (AFP) –

Former middleweight champion Arthur Abraham, pictured here in January, admits he has a point to prove when he challenges world super middleweight belt-holder Robert Stieglitz on Saturday.

Former middleweight champion Arthur Abraham admits he has a point to prove when he challenges world super middleweight belt-holder Robert Stieglitz on Saturday.

Abraham, 32, is facing retirement if he loses the world title bout in Berlin.

Having held the IBF middleweight belt from 2005 to 2009, Abraham made 10 successful defences before losing three of his four bouts during the Super Six super-middleweight bouts when he stepped up a division.

Having fought his way back to claim the European WBO super-middleweight title earlier this year, Abraham takes on compatriot Stieglitz for the world crown and says he will let his fists do the talking.

“Actions speak louder than words and I am going to answer all questions inside the ring,” he said as he looks to live up to his ‘King Arthur’ moniker with a record of 27 knock-outs in 34 wins and three defeats.

“From this point onwards, every fight is going to be a last chance for me. But I will grab it with both hands. No matter if the fight goes the distance or not – I will prove a point.”

Stieglitz will be defending his title for the seventh time having first won it three years ago.

“I feel great and I am going to defend my title,” said the 31-year-old champion, who boasts 23 knock-outs in 42 wins with two defeats.

“My preparations have been going extremely well.”

The fight promises to be interesting: Stieglitz has great technique, but Abraham is known for his powerful punches.

Germany’s WBA super-middleweight and IBF middleweight title-holder Felix Sturm has said he will fight the winner of Saturday’s bout.