Arthur Abraham: You’ll see me two more years and then I will quit

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. WBOWorld Champion and Honorary citizens of Yerevan Arthur Abraham does not underestimate his new opponent - Martin Murray. He understands that the British boxer has experience and any mistake during the match can be decisive. During briefing with “Armenpress the Armenian boxer talked about his opponent, the outcome of the match and his leave.

Arthur, now that the new opponent is known, what do you know about him?

Yes, the opponent is Englishman Martin Murray. Murray is a skillful athlete, with big experience and many victories. I am ready to face anyone as any boxer of such level is strong. If he has reached such level, then he is worth it. One must never underestimate the opponent. I never do.

What’s the opinion of your coach - Ulli Wegner referring your new opponent?

Wegner is not able to walk now as his leg has been operated. But he has already started working on my training schedule so that I am in good form and able to defeat Murray.

Your last match showed that you are able to win with a knockout.

You know, I never enter boxing ring to win with a knockout. Victory is of primary importance for me. Every time I enter the ring with the wish of having a victory. If I manage a knockout, the better.

You talked about victory and you are already 35. Have you ever thought about leaving the boxing ring?

You’ll see me two more years and then I will quit.

Arthur Abraham(bornAvetik Abrahamyan on 20 February 1980) is anArmenian-German professionalboxerresiding inBerlin. Abraham is the formerIBFMiddleweight Championfrom 2005 to 2009, making ten successful defences of his title, the fourth most in middleweight history. He is the currentWBOSuper MiddleweightChampion.

Arthur Abraham was born inYerevanon 20 February 1980 to parents Grigor and Sylvia Abrahamyan. His family members call him "Avo", short for Avetik. His little brother,Alexander, is also a professional boxer and his older brother, Christian, owns a furniture shop. He moved toGermanywith his parents and brothers at the age of 15. He became a citizen of Germany in August 2006, in order to do that he had to drop theArmeniancitizenship. Arthur Abraham is astage name, so he had to draw a painting at the registration office to register it in his passport. As a teenager, Abraham showed an interest incycling. He became the NorthBavarianandFranconianYouth Champion. However, after watching an excitingMike Tysonfight, Arthur was inspired by Tyson's intensity and wanted to become a boxing star too. In 1999, Arthur and his brothers returned to Armenia for military service. After 2002, all the brothers had finished their military service and returned to Germany in 2003.

Abraham plans on opening a boxing school in Armenia following his future retirement.He will also have foreign language classes for students at the boxing school, such as English and German. "If a boxer knows no foreign language, he cannot have success internationally," Abraham noted.

Varvara Hayrapetyan