Arthur Abraham and Paul Smith Could Provide Fireworks in Berlin

Arthur Abraham will face a familiar foe when he defends his WBO super middleweight title on Saturday.

The 35-year-old puts his belt on the line against Paul Smith—the same opponent he defeated by unanimous decision in his previous fight.

King Arthur continued his reign as world champion with a landslide points victory last September; two of the judges called it 117-111 in his favour, while the other had him winning 119-111 in Kiel, Germany.

While the loss was tough enough for Smith to take, the margin on the scorecards left him feeling rather hard done by.

In his post-fight interview, per Sky Sports, the British boxer branded the judging “disgusting,” adding: “I get to a world-title shot and then that happens. I just wanted a fair crack of the whip, and I didn’t get it.”

Smith (35-4, 20 KOs) was also quick to call for a rematch in the immediate aftermath. He continued his campaign with a petition, per ESPN.com, to the WBO for assistance, but that plea fell on deaf ears.

However, Abraham and his management team have granted him a second opportunity, this time at the O2 World Arena in Berlin.

In the press release to announce the rematch, Abraham said, “I’m a man of my word. I promised Paul that I would give him a rematch after our first fight in Kiel.”

He may have also had a lack of other options. Robert Stieglitz is ranked as the No. 1 challenger, but he is a familiar foe, having faced Abraham three times in the past.

Unbeaten Mexican Gilberto Ramirez is the next name down on the list, followed by James DeGale (who seems set to face Andre Dirrell, per Rich Damerell of Sky Sports). Both are young and hungry fighters.

Smith, who at 32 is far from past his prime, is fourth on the rankings. He is also now a known commodity to Abraham, as well as an opponent who will bring plenty of travelling support. 

The element of surprise may have gone for the challenger, but that has not dented his confidence.

He is determined to make sure the judges are not required, telling Sky Sports’ Ringside show: "I believe I can knock him out. I believe I’ve got the power to hurt anyone.”

Judging from the statistical breakdown after the first fight, he cannot just look to outwork his opponent to achieve his desired goal.

Smith averaged 49.9 punches per round, according to CompuBox stats—over five more than Abraham. Yet despite throwing more leather, he never really came close to forcing a stoppage.

He also targeted the body in the hope of not only taking the wind out of Abraham’s sails but also lowering his high defensive guard. Punches that only land on gloves and arms are a waste of a fighter's energy.

The tactic worked to a degree, but a career-best performance still wasn’t enough for him to take the belt away.

His best hope may actually be if the home favourite (Abraham was born in Armenia but is now based in Berlin) lives up to his own pre-fight promise.

Abraham (41-4, 28 KOs) has talked about winning inside the distance, according to RingNews24.com:

"

I don’t understand why the English media spoke about a miscarriage of justice. I don’t select the judges and neither do my promoters.

However this time, I will relieve the judges of their responsibility.

There will be no doubt, I will show no mercy and Smith will not hear the final bell!

"

Abraham, though, has not stopped an opponent since recording a TKO triumph over Mehdi Bouadla in December 2012.

Add in the fact that his last five fights have gone the full 12 rounds and you wonder if he will actually follow through with his promise.

Still, Abraham and Smith should make for intriguing viewing again. Let us hope the judges are not the main storyline this time.