March 14, Kiel, Germany:

IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham retained the title with a unanimous decision after an exciting, tougher than expected fight against American LaJuan Simon in the headliner of Sauerland Event's show at the Sparkassen Arena. It was scored 117-110, 118-109 and 117-110 - a scoring that looked generous to the champion. Simon was down in the third but appeared to be more of a push than anything else. The Philadelphian worked very hard but wasn't so effective while Abraham for long spells just covered up. It was rumored and later confirmed that "King" Arthur had to lose eight (8) kilos in two weeks to make the middleweight limit. Still, Abraham's aim is to unify the middleweight titles and then move up to super middleweight. Simon had his best round in the eighth when he rocked Abraham with a left hook. The champion closed out with a strong finish but wasn't as strong or powerful as usual.

Middleweight Dominik Britsch won the vacant IBF Youth title with a ten round unanimous decision over Pole Daniel Urbanski, who took a standing eight count in the ninth. It was scored 98-91, 99-91 and 100-89.

Norwegian Cecilia Braekhus won the WBC and WBA female welterweight titles with a unanimous decision over Dane Vinni Skovgaard. It was scored 96-94 twice and 98-92. Skovgaard was the aggressor but most of the effective punches came from Cecilia, who came out a deserved winner.

Former WBO heavy champ Lamon Brewster outscored Brit Michael Sprott over eight. Sprott was down in the third and fought like a spoiler while Lamon was looking to score with bombs but failed to get them off. Still, it was enough to win on scores of 78-73 and 79-73 twice. Brewster acknowledged afterwards it would take some time to get the rust off.

Middleweight Thomas Troelenberg opened the show and seemed headed for a loss against Lithuanian Virgilius Stapiulones but a single right won it for him in the third round.

 

3-14-2009