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.
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