Undefeated IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham is looking forward to his first fight on foreign territory as he takes on Britain´s Wayne Elcock in Switzerland on December 8. Today the two fighters met for the first time at a press conference in Basle. "It is my goal to make big fights in America, so Switzerland will be a good first step," King Arthur (24-0, 19 KOs) said. "I am really looking forward to boxing in Basle."
After knocking out mandatory challenger Khoren Gevor in Berlin, Abraham is confident of success against the 33-year-old Brit. However, he has promised not to underestimate his opponent. "I take him very seriously," Abraham stated. "Just like me, he has defeated Howard Eastman, who is a very good puncher. I´ll be starting my training camp tomorrow and will be highly concentrated."
The fight will also spell Elcock´s first appearance outside Great Britain. "That does not make a difference for me," the challenger (18-2, 8 KOs) said. "I am coming here to win the title and that is all that matters."
After the press conference in Basle, Abraham and his coach Ulli Wegner travelled straight to their training camp base in Zinnowitz (Baltic Sea), where practice will begin tomorrow morning. "We´re eager to start the preparation. I´m sure the boys will have a lot of fun," Wegner said with a smile.
Meanwhile, manager Kalle Sauerland revealed that King Arthur is getting more and more popular all over the world. "The TV interest in his fights is very high and can be compared to the Valuev fight in Basle (vs. Jameel McCline)," he stated. "King Arthur´s popularity is growing, especially in America. They have some well-known middleweights over there. That´s why our champion is of big interest to them." Sauerland added that a showdown with Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik is planned for the near future.
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