Arthur Abraham-Elvin Ayala Set For March 29
King Arthur Abraham will return to the ring on March 29 when he takes on Elvin Ayala in Kiel, Germany. The undefeated IBF middleweight champion (25-0, 20 KOs) is brimming with confidence ahead of his seventh title defence. “I have big plans for 2008,” the 27-year-old said. “I will start with Ayala.”
King Arthur has firmly set his sights on a unification clash in the new year. First things first, though - after stopping Sebastien Demers, Khoren Gevor and Wayne Elcock in impressive fashion, he is convinced Ayala (18-2, 8 KOs) will meet a similar fate next month. “I have been in training for a long time and I am in great shape,” King Arthur added. “Ayala will find out in the ring.”
Together with coach Ulli Wegner, Abraham has been training in Nurnberg this week where former WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev will battle out a final eliminator with Sergey Liakhovich on Saturday night. Wegner believes there are “great things” ahead for his fighter in 2008. “He has done really well but he can still improve,” the coach said. “He has got so much potential. However, he needs to be on alert against Ayala. He will be a tough opponent.” The 27-year-old American last battled Sergio Mora to a draw.