by Alexander Pavlov

According to Andrzej Gmitruk, trainer of Polish super middleweight Piotr Wilczewski, the boxer became ill a week before the fight and he nearly withdrew from Saturday's contest with WBO European champion Arthur Abraham, who won a lopsided twelve round unanimous decision. Before his arrival to Germany, Gmitruk claims the fighter picked up a stomach flu. Gmitruk was still impressed with Abraham and believes the German fighter can once again become a world champion.

"Piotr did not arrive in Germany in good health. He picked up a stomach flu. A week ago, on the night from Sunday to Monday, he was in a hospital and had to receive three injections. We were already thinking about the cancellation of the fight [with Abraham], but we decided not to do it. Everything was arranged and the tickets [at the venue] were sold out. However, I believe that if Piotr was in better shape, he would have done a lot better. You have to keep in mind that Arthur, after the Super Six tournament, found himself in a very difficult situation, but he coped with the pressure. Abraham is a great boxer and he can once again become a world champion."

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru.

Tags: Arthur Abraham , Piotr Wilczewski , Abraham-Wilczewski , Abraham vs Piotr Wilczewski