News
Sauerland: Talks Underway For Abraham Vs. Smith
May 16 2014
Promoter keeping close eye on Cardiff show ahead of possible World title clash
Arthur Abraham’s promoter Kalle Sauerland says talks have opened with Eddie Hearn for Abraham to defend his WBO World Super Middleweight title against Paul Smith this autumn.
Smith is in eight-round action in Cardiff on Saturday night live on Sky Sports and Sauerland and ‘King Arthur’ will be tuning in as ‘Smigga’ gets a valuable work-out against David Sarabia, with the 32 year old aiming to land his first World title shot against the popular German.
Abraham regained the title in March in a rematch against Robert Stieglitz and defended the belt a fortnight ago against Nikola Sjekloca – and Sauerland is excited by the potential clash between his charge and Smith.
“We are in talks with Eddie and will certainly be watching the show in Cardiff,” said Sauerland. “Paul is number three in the WBO rankings and his style and Arthur’s style would make for an explosive fight and a treat for the fans.”
Hearn added: “We’ve been talking with Kalle for a while now and I hope to get this fight made in the next week or so. Paul is the leading available contender in the WBO and will bring plenty of support to Germany for the fight but more importantly poses a live threat to Arthur.”
Smith joins his brother Callum on the stacked bill in Wales, as the unbeaten young Liverpool star defends his WBC International Super Middleweight title against Swansea’s Tobias Webb.
Nathan Cleverly makes his debut at Cruiserweight against Shaun Corbin with the vacant WBA Inter-Continental title up for grabs and it’s a huge night for Featherweight star Lee Selby who tackles Mexican Romulo Koasicha in a WBC title eliminator.
Gavin Rees bows out of the pro game after a glittering career with a rematch of his Fight of the Year contender against Gary Buckland, Dale Evans faces Mark Douglas, plus there’s action for Chris Jenkins, Mitch Buckland, Robbie Turley and Alex Hughes.
Tickets are on sale priced at £30, £40 and £60 ringside available from www.livenation.co.uk or by calling 02920 22 44 88, and from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699.
VIP Packages priced £120 are available from www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.