King Arthur Abraham Seeking Another Crown, Starting With Jermain Taylor

Long-time IBF middleweight titlist "King" Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KOs) may be one of the least recognized (in the United States at least) boxing champions in recent memory. And he’s probably one of its most underrated. He’ll be looking to change all of that when he faces off against Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs) this coming Saturday in a new division – super middleweight.

I consider Taylor a live underdog in this fight but all signs point to a dominant Abraham victory. Lately, Abraham has been fighting roughly three times a year while Taylor dukes it out about twice a year. Although Taylor has been fighting far superior competition over the same time as Abraham, the King still does not know what defeat in the professional ranks feels like.

Like Jermain Taylor’s latest conqueror Carl Froch, Abraham will not only bring a high skill level into the ring but a confidence that will not wane even if the going gets tough. He proved it against Edison Miranda in their first match when he defeated him with a broken jaw. He proved it again when he destroyed the tough-talking Colombian in their return match nearly two years later. 

I’m not Dr. Phil, but it doesn’t take a shrink to realize that Taylor has some serious confidence issues in big fights, especially in the championship rounds. This harsh reality, combined with the fact that Abraham will be fighting in front of his adopted hometown crowd in Berlin, Germany and has a better chin, defense and stamina, will be too much for Taylor to overcome. Bad Intentions will fight valiantly in what just may be his last hurrah as a significant title threat (or at least being viewed as one).

In the end, "King" Arthur Abraham will be one step closer to another crowning achievement – the super middleweight title, after winning a unanimous decision over Jermain Taylor in six days.