WTOP
Sept 28 2014
Abraham retains WBO title on points over Smith
Saturday – 9/27/2014, 8:30pm ET
KIEL, Germany (AP) — Arthur Abraham retained his WBO super
middleweight belt by defeating Paul Smith of England by unanimous
decision on Saturday.
The judges awarded it 117-111, 117-111, 119-109 to the defending
champion, who dominated the majority of the bout, albeit in the face
of a spirited challenge from Smith, who was cheered on by a sizable
traveling support.
Abraham’s punches seemed more effective, more powerful, and he
reasserted his control in a commanding final round, when punishing
right blows had the Liverpudlian against the ropes.
The Armenian-born German improved to 41-4 (28 KOs) after making the
second defense of the title he won back from Robert Stieglitz by split
decision on March 1.
“I love coming here,” Abraham said. “It was a great fight. We trained
hard. I worked a lot with my jab today.”
Smith, who was taking his first shot at a world title, dropped to 35-4 (20 KOs).