“I used to write “champion25” as my passwords – says Arthur Abraham

22/05/2006 Irina SARGSYAN

Boxer Arthur Abraham (Abrahamyan), always mentions his brother Alex when talking about himself. They started to practice boxing together in 1995 and became champions of Germany. In 1999 they enlisted in the Armenian army together and after they finished their service they returned to Germany. Since 2003, the Abraham brothers are considered as professional boxers. Famous German businessman Wilfrid Zawerland, who organizes boxing competitions, has signed a contract with the Abraham brothers. Arthur and Alex live in the same apartment on Sharlotenburg street of Berlin and drive the same model cars. “We are always together and do everything together”, assured Arthur in a cafe in Berlin after having some banana juice.

Arthur Abraham has participated in 90 competitions, 81 of which he won. He has lost only three times so far. In August 2003, Arthur became champion of Germany. Last year Arthur Abraham became world champion and got an IBF title.

It turns out that Arthur could become a good bicyclist instead of becoming a boxer. His uncle used to be a Soviet bicycling champion and thought that Arthur would be good enough in this sport too. He used to take Arthur to bicycle school and Arthur liked it a lot. Arthur’s uncle saw that Arthur was very competent in sports, and he was not mistaken. Arthur became a bicycle sport champion in Germany and Bavaria.

Maybe there are no coincidences in life. Once, when he was 15, Arthur watched a boxing competition on TV and this played a huge role in his life: “When I saw how people hugged the world champions, raised them on their shoulders, I decided to become a world champion too”, says Arthur. Since that time he was always thinking of going for boxing. He was asking everyone where he could find boxing schools.

In the 90s, when Arthur was living in the city of Bamburg of Germany with his parents, he started taking boxing lessons. Later, Arthur met his first trainer Uve Shultze. Then, Arthur registered in the boxing department of the Nierenberg # 1 sports union. He has always dreamed of becoming a world champion, “I even used to write “champion25” as my password”, says Arthur Abraham.

The boxing lasted four rounds. Arthur’s competitor, Ikeke from Nigeria, lost and Arthur became world champion. This happened in the city of Layptsig in December.

On May 13 Arthur will box again. He is going to protect his IBF title. This time he is going to go against 31-year old Kofi Jantua. Kofi Jantua is originally from Ghana and lives in Las Vegas. In his professional boxing career this boxer won 30 competitions from 33. “We have found a very good competitor for Arthur”, says Wilfrid Zawerland proudly, “Jantua is a very good boxer and I think people will like him”. This meeting will take place in the German city of Tsvikau and will be broadcasted on the German first channel.

Arthur has decided to leave for the Dominican Republic for vacation after this competition. His goal is to become a super champion, “I want to win all four titles. Though I am proud of this one title too”, said Arthur proudly. During our conversation his white shirt with green lines was shining under the lights in the cafe.