Oct 17, Berlin, Germany:
“King” Arthur Abraham knocked out Jermain Taylor at 2.54 of the 12th and final round with a big left hook that Taylor partly blocked followed by a short, straight right that landed flush on the chin of Jermain who went down and out on his back to cheers of the 14 000 at the O2 World. As referee Guadelupe Garcia began to count the ringside physician entered the ring to tend to Taylor, who exhausted as it was looked like he was in serious trouble but luckily seemed to recover quickly.
After eleven Abraham was ahead on scores 106-102, 105-103 and 107-102. Taylor had a point deducted in the sixth for low blows and was visible hurt in the ninth. For my money at third row close to ringside it looked closer but it was difficult to scor as Abraham as always takes long breaks with Taylor punching a lot but with most punches blocked.
Abraham started as always very slowly with hands high high allowing Taylor to jab. Most of the punches were blocked but it wasn´t until the fifth the former IBF middle champ began to open up. As it was he proved to be the stronger man while Taylor, boxing well throughout, tired down the stretch. He made Abraham miss but failed to make him pay and his jab was increasingly ineffective in the later rounds.
This was the first fight in the Super Six World Boxing Classic and very much possibly the last fight for Taylor. It would be crazy by his management to send him back in so soon in another do or die fight against a world class fighter. He needs a rest and should consider retirement.
For Abraham it´s up and away and while still very strong he also showed that stepping up in weightclass isn´t easy.
17.10 Abraham KO 12 Taylor
