IBF middleweight champion ‘King’ Arthur Abraham (29-0, 23 KOs) overcame a strong challenge from previously unbeaten Lajuan Simon (21-1, 12 KOs) to retain his title for the ninth time on Saturday night at the Sparkassen Arena in Kiel, Germany. After his normal start in which he blocked many punches with his peek-a-boo defense, Abraham opened up in round five landing a sustained barrage of hard shots. The champ was back in his defensive shell in round six. Big round seven for Abraham but Simon had Abraham holding on after a left hook in the eighth. Rounds nine and ten were close as Simon was busier, while Abraham landed the harder shots. Abraham had a big round eleven, landing numerous hard right hands, but round twelve was another close one. Scores were 117-110, 118-109, 117-110.

In an important heavyweight eight-rounder, former WBO world champion Lamon Brewster (35-4, 30 KOs), now ranked #11 by the WBA, scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over EBU ex-titlist Brit Michael Sprott (31-13, 16 KOs) with the scores: 78-73 (twice) and 79-73. Both fighters looked cautious in the first round but Brewster was by far more agressive. Brewster and Sprott fought on even terms for the two next rounds but at the very end of round three the American fighter missed with the right hand and immediately connected with the huge left hook sending Sprott down. The Brit boxer was able to recover well and showed guts in round four, repelling Brewster’s attacks. Sprott was a bit more active in round five. For the next three rounds Brewster tried to impose his will on Sprott but was unable to land something serious. Both pugilists stood their ground at the last minute of round eight with Brewster being a bit more consistent. Fightnews scored it 78-74 for Brewster.