Arthur Abraham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arthur AbrahamԱվետիք Աբրահամյան |
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Abraham in 2016
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | Avetik Abrahamyan |
| Nickname(s) |
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| Rated at |
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| Height | 5 ft 9 in |
| Reach | 72 in |
| Nationality |
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| Born | 20 February 1980 Yerevan, Armenian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 53 |
| Wins | 47 |
| Wins by KO | 30 |
| Losses | 6 |
Avetik Abrahamyan (Armenian: Ավետիք Աբրահամյան), known as Arthur Abraham, is an Armenian-German former professional boxer. He was born on February 20, 1980. He boxed professionally from 2003 to 2018. Arthur Abraham won many world championships in two different weight classes. He held the IBF middleweight title from 2005 to 2009. He also held the WBO super-middleweight title twice between 2012 and 2016. He finished his career with 47 wins, 6 losses, and 30 knockouts.
Contents
Early Life
Avetik Abrahamyan was born in Yerevan, Soviet Armenia, on February 20, 1980. His parents were Grigor and Sylvia Abrahamyan. In 1995, when he was 15, he moved to Germany with his family.
As a teenager, Arthur enjoyed cycling. He even became the North Bavarian and Franconian Youth Champion. However, after watching an exciting Mike Tyson boxing match, Arthur was inspired. He decided he wanted to become a boxing star too! In 1999, Arthur and his brothers went back to Armenia for military service. After 2002, they all finished their service and returned to Germany in 2003.
Amateur Career
Arthur Abraham started boxing as an amateur in Germany. He became an International German champion in 1997. He was also a three-time Senior Armenian champion from 2000 to 2002.
In 2003, Arthur and his brother Alexander returned to Germany. They hoped to start professional boxing careers. Arthur became a sparring partner for a champion boxer named Sven Ottke. Ottke's coach, Ulli Wegner, was very impressed with Arthur. He decided to train Arthur himself. Arthur's final amateur record was 81 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws, with 48 knockouts.
Amateur Highlights
- 1997 International light-welterweight German champion
- 2000, 2001 and 2002 Senior light-middleweight Armenian champion
Professional Career
Middleweight Champion
Early Fights
Arthur Abraham began his professional boxing journey on August 16, 2003. He quickly won many fights. He won the WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title. He also defeated former world champion Hector Velazco.
In December 2005, Arthur Abraham won his first major world title. He became the IBF middleweight champion. He won by knockout in the fifth round against Kingsley Ikeke.
Abraham vs. Miranda
On September 23, 2006, Abraham fought Edison Miranda. During the fourth round, Arthur's jaw was broken in two places. Despite this serious injury, he kept fighting! Miranda was penalized points for hitting Arthur low and headbutting him. Arthur showed incredible toughness and won the fight by decision. After the fight, he needed surgery and had 22 screws inserted into his jaw. People praised him for finishing the fight despite his injury.
Arthur continued to defend his IBF middleweight title. He defeated opponents like Sébastien Demers and Khoren Gevor.
Arthur defended his title seven times. On March 29, 2008, he knocked out Elvin Ayala in the 12th round. This was his seventh successful title defense.
Rematch with Miranda
On June 21, 2008, Arthur had a rematch with Edison Miranda. This time, Arthur knocked Miranda down three times in the fourth round. The referee stopped the fight, giving Arthur a technical knockout victory.
Arthur continued to defend his IBF middleweight title. He defeated Raúl Márquez and Lajuan Simon. His tenth and final defense of the middleweight title was against Mahir Oral. Arthur won by technical knockout in the 10th round.
Super-Middleweight Champion
Super Six World Boxing Classic
Arthur Abraham decided to move up to a heavier weight class: super middleweight. He joined a special tournament called the Super Six World Boxing Classic. This tournament included other top boxers like Mikkel Kessler and Carl Froch.
Abraham vs. Taylor
In his first tournament fight, Arthur faced Jermain Taylor on October 17, 2009. Arthur won with a powerful knockout in the 12th round. Taylor was taken to the hospital, but later said he was doing fine. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was there and was very impressed by Arthur's fighting spirit.
Abraham vs. Dirrell
On March 27, 2010, Arthur fought American boxer Andre Dirrell. In the 11th round, Arthur hit Dirrell after Dirrell had slipped to the canvas. The referee decided this was against the rules and Arthur lost the fight by disqualification. This was Arthur's first professional loss.
Abraham vs. Froch
Arthur's next fight was against British boxer Carl Froch on November 27, 2010. Arthur lost this fight by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. He was disappointed with his performance.
Abraham vs. Ward
On May 14, 2011, Arthur fought Andre Ward in the Super Six semi-finals. Ward won the fight by a clear decision. Ward later won the entire Super Six tournament.
Comeback and WBO Title
After the Super Six tournament, Arthur Abraham decided to stay at super middleweight. On January 14, 2012, he won the vacant WBO European super middleweight championship. He won by technical knockout in the fifth round.
Abraham vs. Stieglitz
On August 25, 2012, Arthur Abraham fought Robert Stieglitz for the WBO super middleweight title. Arthur won by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. This made him a world champion in two different weight classes! He was named the best boxer in Germany for 2012.
Losing and Regaining the Title
Arthur defended his WBO title against Mehdi Bouadla in December 2012, winning by technical knockout. However, in a rematch with Robert Stieglitz on March 23, 2013, Arthur lost his title. His eye swelled shut, and the referee stopped the fight in the fourth round.
Arthur fought two more times in 2013, winning both fights. He then had a third fight with Robert Stieglitz on March 1, 2014, for the WBO super middleweight title. In a very close fight, Arthur won by a split decision, becoming a two-time WBO super middleweight champion!
Defenses and Later Career
Arthur defended his title against Nikola Sjekloća and then twice against English boxer Paul Smith. Both fights with Smith went the full 12 rounds, and Arthur won both by decision.
On July 18, 2015, Arthur fought Robert Stieglitz for a fourth time. This was called the 'Final Showdown'. Arthur won by TKO in the sixth round, proving his dominance over Stieglitz. He then defended his title against Martin Murray in November 2015, winning by split decision.
Abraham vs. Ramírez
On April 9, 2016, Arthur Abraham faced undefeated boxer Gilberto Ramírez for his WBO super middleweight title. Ramírez won the fight by a unanimous decision, taking Arthur's title.
Later Career Fights
After losing his world title, Arthur continued to fight. On July 16, 2016, he won the vacant WBO International super middleweight title by TKO in the eighth round against Tim-Robin Lihaug.
Abraham vs. Krasniqi
On April 22, 2017, Arthur fought Robin Krasniqi. Arthur won by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. This win earned him another chance to fight for a world title.
Abraham vs. Eubank Jr.
On July 15, 2017, Arthur fought Chris Eubank Jr. for the IBO super middleweight title. Eubank Jr. won the fight by a unanimous decision. Arthur had little to offer in this fight, mostly focusing on defense.
Abraham vs. Nielsen
Arthur Abraham's last professional fight was on April 28, 2018, against Danish boxer Patrick Nielsen. Arthur won the fight by a split decision after 12 rounds, winning the vacant WBO International title.
Life Outside of Boxing
Arthur Abraham has also appeared in other areas outside of boxing. In 2009, he had a fun exhibition match against entertainer Oliver Pocher. He also appeared on the German dance show Let's Dance in 2010, but left to focus on boxing.
He played a small role in the 2010 film Max Schmeling, which was about a famous German boxer. His real-life coach, Ulli Wegner, was even in his corner in the movie! German actor and producer Til Schweiger also invited Arthur to act in his film Crime Scene in 2013.
Arthur was a judge for the "Miss Germany" beauty pageant in 2012 and 2013. In 2013, he received the "Poghos Nubar" medal from the RA Ministry of Diaspora. This award recognized him as a role model.
Personal Life
Arthur Abraham's family calls him "Avo," which is short for Avetik. He is married to Lusya Hovhannisyan, and they have three children: Grigor, Maria, and Diana. His younger brother, Alexander, is also a professional boxer.
Arthur plans to open a boxing school in Armenia after he retires. He wants to teach foreign languages like English and German there. This will help students succeed internationally.
He received German citizenship in August 2006, but he also kept his Armenian citizenship. In 2008, Arthur and fellow boxer Vic Darchinyan were honored by the Armenian President. They received medals for their great services to Armenia.
Awards
- Hrant Shahinyan Medal
- 2009 Berlin Sportsman of the Year
- Child Award 2009
See Also
In Spanish: Arthur Abraham para niños
- List of middleweight boxing champions
- List of super-middleweight boxing champions
- List of IBF world champions
- List of WBO world champions
Images for kids
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Abraham in 2010
