Although super middleweight titlist Arthur Abraham outpointed Paul Smith in a seemingly close fight in September, the wide scorecards drew the ire of fans around the world and led Smith's camp to seek an immediate rematch by petitioning the WBO.
The sanctioning body declined to order an immediate rematch, but that did not prevent the camps from making a deal for an optional defense. That is exactly what they have done, and Abraham and Smith will meet again on Feb. 21 at the O2 World arena in Berlin, Germany, Abraham promoter Sauerland Event announced on Monday.
Abraham, who will be making the third title defense of his second 168-pound reign, faced Smith on Sept. 27 in Kiel, Germany. It was a highly competitive fight but the judges' scorecards of 119-109, 117-110 and 117-110 were roundly criticized. Although giving Abraham the victory was not controversial, many felt the scorecards were out of line because of the back-and-forth nature of the fight. Even WBO president Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel was publicly critical of Spanish judge Fernando Laguna's 119-109 score, which means he gave Smith only one round.
After the fight, Abraham (41-4, 28 KOs), 34, of Germany, said he would be willing to fight Smith (35-4, 20 KOs) again and he is following through.
"I'm a man of my word," Abraham said. "I promised Paul that I would give him a rematch after our first fight in Kiel. I will honor that promise. However, Paul should be careful what he wishes for. I've already beaten him once and this time I plan to win in even more spectacular fashion. On Feb. 21, I will knock him out."
Said promoter Kalle Sauerland, "We promised Paul the rematch and Arthur was happy to oblige. He is a great champion who has never shied away from a challenge. I'm sure it will be another entertaining fight. Germany versus England always adds an extra spice to an event. We're expecting an atmosphere second to none on Feb. 21."
Smith, 32, of England, the former British super middleweight champion, will be fighting for a world title for the second time. He believes he won the first fight.
"Arthur and his trainer said he would stop me in the first fight," Smith said. "We all saw what happened there. It was only with the judges' help that he beat me. I believe I won the fight. This time, I know I can beat him."
Said Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Smith, "Paul brought fantastic support with him for the first fight. This time, with the controversy and the build-up, there is going to be an even bigger following traveling over to Berlin. Paul gave a great account of himself in Kiel. He proved he can operate at world level."
The fighters and their promoters met at a kickoff news conference in Berlin on Monday and will meet again in Liverpool, England, Smith's hometown, on Thursday.