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Unbeaten IBF middleweight champion "King" Arthur Abraham (28-0, 23 KOs) punished then stopped mandatory challenger Raul "El Diamante" Marquez (41-4-1, 29 KOs) on Saturday night at the Jako Arena, Bamberg, Germany. After some close early rounds, Abraham began to connect with hard shots in round three. Marquez landed some good body shots in the fourth, but the champion inflicted damage at the end of the round and controlled the bout thereafter. After taking heavy bombardment to the body from Abraham in round six, Marquez quit on his stool. "He was very tough," said Abraham. "He's a very good boxer, but we're also not bad. I don't understand it. He gave up too early. I am sad about that. I wanted to step on the gas from the sixth round, but unfortunately it didn't work. He disappointed the audience.....I'm ready to box against Felix Sturm!" A disappointed Marquez stated, "I tried, but he was very fast and each shot was precise. When the cut happened, I simply couldn't continue. I could see I was going to lose. He's a strong champion and there was nothing I could do. It was also self-preservation. I have children, a family and I'm a commentator. I have a future." It was the eighth successful defense by Abraham, who may have suffered a rib injury in the bout.
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