By Mark Vester
According to Wilfried Sauerland, head of Sauerland Event, a unification bout between IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and German rival Felix Sturm, the WBA champ, is unlikely. There appears to be an issue of money and both fighters being tied to rival cable networks in Germany. Sauerland denies that he made an offer of 2.5 million euro to Sturm. He says that Sturm is actually asking for 3 million euro for the fight. If Sturm wants 3 million euro, Sauerland says that Abraham should also get 3 million euro. If Sturm's promoter, Universum, comes up with 3 million euro for Abraham, Sauerland says they will gladly take the fight.
"I don't think the fight will go ahead. Both camps want the fight. But the 3 million required for each fighter looks unlikely. The only interest for this fight comes from Germany. And that would mean it would have to be financed in Germany. And that is unlikely," Sauerland tells writer Bjorn Jensen, translation by Robert K.
"No I have not made that offer [2.5 million euro]. One member of my company went to see the Sturm - Sylvester bout, heard that 3 million euros would be required to make the fight happen. My reply is: When we receive a 3 million euro offer for Arthur then we will gladly make the fight happen on ZDF. [Sturm's network]
Although both fighters are tied to rival television networks, Sauerland says the fight would still be possible. He doesn't see it taking place and says Abraham is going to target WBO/WBC champion Kelly Pavlik for a fight to take place next summer.
"We do have from time to time match-ups between Sauerland and Universum fighters and the broadcasters could certainly find a solution. We are ready to negotiate and want to fight, but I personally don't think the fight will happen. Arthur's future is in the US. He wants to fight WBO / WBC champion Kelly Pavlik in the summer and then he will move up to super middleweight, a fight will Sturm seems unlikely," Sauerland said.
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