Arthur, who has decided to spend a few days in the Homeland, is probably very busier than he is when he practices. That is not surprising judging from the fact that he gave a nice present to the Armenian people just a couple of days before New Years’ by knocking out Kingsley Ikeyke in the 5th round and was declared world champion. That is why everyone wants to see Arthur. Some simply want to greet and congratulate him, others invite him to interviews, and some want to invite him out to dinner. So, Arthur does have a pretty heavy schedule, nevertheless, he did agree to give an interview to our newspaper edition.
-Thank you for congratulating me. I have stared to box since I was 15 years old in Germany where I was living at the time. I went back to Germany when I was 23 with our group and I have been boxing professionally ever since. I have fought in 19 duels; have 19 victories of which 17 are knockouts. As you know, my brother is also a boxer and is also very successful. He has 16 victories, one when both sides have not won and not one loss.
-Before your duel, you said that you were not going to let Ikeyke listen to the final gong for the end of the fight and that you were going to knock him out. Everyone saw how you stayed true to your word. Who is going to be your next competitor and when?
-That can be anyone, including German Taylor, but that is up to the managers to decide and the duel will take place only if they agree. As for me, I am ready to duel with anyone. It doesn’t matter who it is.
-In one of your brother’s interviews, he said that it is easier for him to be in the ring and duel rather than follow up on your fights sitting in the audience. Do you feel the same way?
-Everyone feels that way because when you are fighting a duel, you are sure of yourself and you know what you are doing. But it is hard for your relatives because they are on the verge of getting a heart attack. When my brother is in the ring, I feel bad. For example, I see on television all the pain that he goes through. At home, it is hard for my mom and dad and all my relatives, for that matter. I am the only one that feels good because I don’t realize all that during the duel. (Arthur laughs-B.T.)
-When I was watching the duel on television, I noticed that there was our three-colored flag in the audience. Were those people Armenians living in Germany, or were there actually people who had come to Germany just to see you fight?
-The majority of people were Armenians living in Germany who make up a pretty large number. A lot of fans had come from Moscow; you probably saw president of the Armenian Union of Russia Ara Abrahamyan and other well-known Armenian businessmen. There were also fans from Armenia. They had all come to help me win and I did. Then we all went out to eat, drink and had a good time.
-Had Ara Abrahamyan come just to be in the audience, or does he help you in your career in any way?
-No, he was just a spectator. He loves boxing and he was watching me box in a duel for the first time. He will be present at the next duel too, which will take place on March 4th of next year.
-So, it is already decided that you are going to have another duel on March 4th. Who are you going to fight against?
-I don’t know yet. I can say one thing for sure: it is not going to be German Taylor for sure.
-How long do you plan on staying in Armenia?
-Until January 5. We came here to celebrate the New Year with family, friends and relatives. Besides that, we came here to spread joy to the Armenian people, especially to the people of Charbakh. People get happy when they see us wherever we go.
-Today, almost all professional athletes are outside of Armenia. You are in Germany, one of our best boxers Vakhtang Darchinyan is in Australia, Olympic and world wrestling champion Armen Nazaryan is in Bulgaria. The list goes on and on. Is the reason for not staying in Armenia based on finances, or are there other reasons?
-There are many issues and there will not be enough time to list all of them. There are problems and I just don’t feel like going further into detail at the present. The only thing I can tell you is that if an athlete feels good in one place, then he shouldn’t go anywhere else. When you have problems, you are forced to leave. You go so you can pave a path for your future. I became Armenia’s champion after three years here, I saw the results, but what good is it if I can’t make a living doing that?
-How do you see yourself in the future? Are you going to finally come to Armenia, or will you stay in Germany?
-We (me and my brother) will always live in Armenia. We are always going to come to Armenia because we miss our Homeland, our friends, our land and water. We miss everything, but you have to be abroad for a while so that you can reach your goals.
-Didn’t you receive any offers from Armenian businessmen or funding so that you will be able to stay here and not go abroad and miss the Homeland?
-No, no offers have been made until now. Even if there are any, I don’t know if I will agree or not. There has to be something exact so that I can think about it and make a decision.
-You wave the Armenian flag after each duel. Is that normal for everyone? Don’t they ask you why you wave the Armenian flag?
-They have asked me. Generally, it is not allowed to take the flag, but I do that because I just have to. You probably heard Germany’s national anthem before the duel, but I waved the Armenian flag. That is why they can’t punish me for anything. I just disappoint the German fans a little. They think you are a German athlete and then all of sudden they see you with the Armenian flag.
-Why did you take out the “yan” in your last name?
-The trainers decided to do that because not a lot of people can remember the name and the name is very important in sports. Arthur Abraham-it sounds more European this way and it sounds familiar to Europeans. As a matter of fact, our staff invited a German singer whose name was Abraham. He is very popular in Germany. His happy song is heard before each duel that I fight in and I come out with a unique uniform every time.
-What do you have to say to our people and especially our readers?
-I wish our people, including your newspaper staff and readers a Happy New Year. I wish everyone happiness and joy. There are many things to say, but I just wish each person the same that he wishes for himself. May each person’s wish come true. As for me, I will make sure I win more fights so that I can make people happy, give them a sense of pride because we all need to smile and be happy in the world that we are living in today. I want the Armenian people to forget their pain and troubles and live happy for the moment. I can do that a I will try to.