Arthur Abraham - IBF Champion

PanARMENIAN.Net - Undefeated former European (EBA) Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham, in front of 3.500 people plus millions of viewers on live TV coverage by ARD "das erste", won the vacant IBF Middleweight Crown by KO in the 5th round over his Canadian challenger Kingsley Ikeke (23-2-0/13KOs) December 10 in Lepzig, Germany. Abraham started the fight with his usual strategy: left punches to the body, then coming over his opponent's lowered guard with hard rights to the head. Ikeke's main weapon was his long jab but it was never a factor from the beginning, always meeting Abraham's strong defense. Ikeke expected a body attack, but Arthur feinted connecting again and again with hard shots to Ikeke's head. In round five the fight was over (1:46 min.) Arthur hammered Ikeke´s head with a very strong left. The Canadian fighter staggered toward the ropes, and Arthur set after him with a final series of rights. In a classic knockout, Ikeke sunk to the ground and Abraham was the new IBF Middlweight Champion. To note, Arthur Abraham won 19 out of 19 fights, 17 by knockout.