Photo: Sebastian Heger

Arthur Abraham (44-5, 29 KOs) says his opponent Tim-Robin Lihaug (15-1, 8 KOs) should expect no sympathy from him when they meet in a 12-round super middleweight attraction on July 16 at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.

Abraham, who is rated No. 8 by THE RING at 168 pounds, is aiming to launch another world title assault following his comprehensive defeat to Gilberto Ramirez in April and, as he prepares for his return to the ring, the two-weight world titleholder knows he cannot afford any slip-ups.

“Tim-Robin Lihaug is a young, emerging talent,” said the 36-year-old Abraham. “He is someone who still has a lot to prove and perhaps has a great future ahead of him, but on July 16, he will learn what it means to fight at the very highest level. When the bell rings, he should expect no sympathy from me. This is a fight I must win, and win in style.”

Abraham adds that he is now eager to atone for his WBO title defeat to Ramirez and repay the support shown to him by his long-time coach and mentor Ulli Wegner.

“Mr. Wegner has shown great belief in me and I want repay his support by proving to him that I can become world champion again,” he said. “He is not only a great coach but also a great person, and he is right when he says ‘we win together and we lose together’. Things did not go to plan in Las Vegas, but we have learnt from this, and I will come back stronger and more determined than ever.”

Abraham is also welcoming a return to the Max-Schmeling-Halle and his adopted hometown of Berlin, where he holds a 100 per cent win ratio.

“I have never lost a fight in Berlin and I intend to keep it that way,” he said. “Here I have the full support of the crowd, and I’m sure they will play their part in another great victory for me.”

The bout between Arthur Abraham and Tim-Robin Lihaug will provide chief support for Tyron Zeuge versus Giovanni De Carolis. Tickets are available online via www.eventim.de and www.tickethall.de or by calling +49 (0) 1806-570044.

All the action will be available to watch live and exclusive in Norway on Viaplay Fighting. For more information, please visit http://viaplay.no/fighting

Quotes and information provided courtesy of Sauerland Promotions

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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