Tim-Robin Lihaug (15-1, 8 KOs) and his team declared war on Arthur Abraham (44-5, 29 KOs) at today’s final pre-fight press conference ahead of their WBO International Super Middleweight title fight on Saturday night at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.
With just Friday’s weigh-in separating us from fight night, the time for talking will soon come to an end, but today, both fighters and their teams had the chance to share their thoughts on this hotly anticipated match-up.
Promoter Kalle Sauerland began proceedings by emphasising the importance of this bout for the rising Norwegian star. ‘’If Tim wins this fight, it will go down in history as the greatest accomplishment of any Norwegian boxer,’’ he says.
‘’The whole country is behind him, many will be watching on television, and some lucky fans will be experiencing it live at the Max-Schmeling-Halle. Arthur must be warned that he is facing a highly motivated young fighter, against whom he cannot afford to show any weaknesses.’’
Heeding this warning, Abraham insisted he is fully on the fight at hand as he looks to atone for his World title defeat to Gilberto Ramirez and land another shot at World honours.
‘’Things did not go right for me last time, but now we look to the future,’’ he said. ‘’I am fully prepared for this fight and ready to do whatever it takes to win. First, I must defeat Lihaug and then I hope for another World title challenge.’’
Lihaug, however, maintained his belief that he would defeat the ageing Abraham and take his place at the top of the super middleweight division.
‘’There is a reason why Abraham was once a great World Champion, but there is also a reason why he is not today,’’ he said. ‘’His career is winding down, but mine is just beginning. I believe if I box to the best of my ability, I can beat him on Saturday night.’’
While Lihaug’s manager Kyrre Merg announced they would bring war like the Norwegian Vikings, and after the fight would rename Berlin as ‘New Bergen’.
‘’There is no respect, no fear and nothing for us to lose,’’ he said. ‘’We will bring war like the Vikings did a thousand years before us. Like when 50 Norwegians would get in a boat and conquer a country with just their attitude and mentality, Tim will defeat Abraham, and on Sunday, we will rename this city ‘New Bergen’.’’
The WBO International title fight between Tim-Robin Lihaug and Arthur Abraham is available to watch live and exclusive on Viaplay Fighting. For more information please visit http://viaplay.no/fighting.
The fight card also features the WBA World Super Middleweight Championship bout between Tyron Zeuge and Giovanni De Carolis, rising German stars Stefan Haertel and Burak Sahin, plus British Olympic Bronze medallist Anthony Ogogo. Tickets are available online via http://wwww.tickethall.de and http://www.eventim.de or by calling +49 (0) 1806-570044. A livestream is available for German boxing fans.
Anthony Ogogo faces Kubin on Saturday night in Berlin
Unbeaten middleweight Anthony Ogogo (10-0, 6 KOs) is looking to continue his fine run of form when he returns to action on Saturday night against Bronislav Kubin (19-20-2, 12 KOs) at the Max-Schemling-Halle in Berlin.
The 27 year-old Olympic medalist joins a blockbuster bill in the German capital featuring the WBA World Super Middleweight title fight between Tyron Zeuge and Giovanni De Carolis, and the return of former two-weight World Champion Arthur Abraham.
Confidence is high for the Lowestoft-boxer following back-to-back stoppage victories over Gary Cooper and Frane Radnic, and as he prepares for his third fight in as many months, Ogogo is eager to entertain the Berlin audience and build towards a title challenge after the summer break.
‘’I’m looking forward to fighting in Germany again,’’ said Ogogo. ‘’My last fight there was bitter sweet. I got the win but dislocated my shoulder in the second round. Now, I’m back, I’m fully fit and I’m going to show the German fans what I can really do.
‘’I’ve feeling fit, sharp and strong and have managed to put together two good wins in quick succession and I’m ready for my third. I want to prove I’m a league above and that I’m ready to face the best in the division. After the summer, I’m coming for the titles.’’
Tickets for the Team Sauerland show at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin are available online via www.tickethall.de and www.eventim.de or by calling +49 (0)1806-570044. All the action will be available to watch on SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.