HANNOVER — WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (44-4, 29 KOs) retained his title by defeating Martin Murray (32-3-1, 15 KOs) of England by split decision on Saturday night at the TUI Arena in Hannover, Germany. The judges scored their rematch 115-112, 116-111, and 112-115.
Abraham started slow but picked up his pace starting in the fourth round, and was able to win the majority of the rounds from there on though many were quite close.
Murray was deducted a point for holding in round eleven. Most of the heavy shots came from Abraham. It was the fourth time Murray has challenged unsuccessfully for a world title.
The win marks the fifth successful defense of Abraham’s second tour as super middleweight champ. The 35year old Armenian-born boxer is perhaps in the twilight of his career, but remains a tough out and continues his remarkable career turnaround after being counted out years ago.
