WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs) is in Nuremberg after fighting his way from Berlin across snow-ridden Germany. His opponent, Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs) flew out to Germany Tuesday, December 11 morning. In the afternoon, the two fighters met for the first pre-fight appointment, the open workout session, Fightnews reported.

However, it was Ulli Wegner who was the cause for the biggest surprise of the day. Abraham’s coach, who is normally known for being quite tough on his fighter, was full of praise for his prodigy. “I have to admit, that Arthur has been giving it a 100 percent during every single training session. I just hope that he will show up with the same attitude once he stands inside the ring with Mehdi Bouadla,” said the 70-year-old. “As a coach you have to make sure that your prodigy keeps his feet firmly on the ground, but he definitely deserved it to be praised.”

But Wegner was also keen to remind Abraham not to underestimate Bouadla. “We are expecting one hell of a fight. Bouadla pushes his opponents and will do everything he can to grab his chance,” said Wegner.

Abraham-Bouadla flight is due December 15 in Nuremberg.