Paul Smith gets Arthur Abraham return on February 21

WBO super-middleweight ruler โ€œKingโ€ Arthur Abraham was pushed to the wire by Liverpoolโ€™s Paul Smith back in September, with Abraham retaining his title via a decision that was universally looked at as far too wide. The 12-round unanimous decision proved so controversial, the WBO launched an investigation – the 119-109 tally handed in by Spanish judge Fernando Laguna being of particular interest to the governing body.

In the end, though, the decision stood – as it was felt the right man won the fight even if it was closer than the three judges had it. Smithโ€™s appeal to be made the WBO mandatory was unsuccessful, but Abraham has decided to give Smith a return chance all the same. The fight is scheduled to take place at The O2 Arena in Berlin on February 21 and it is possible British heavyweight David Price – who had to pull out of his scheduled December 6th bout with a bicep injury – will also see action on the card.

“Tickets for my fight will be available on my website from Monday. Loads booked already! Gonna be another boss away day! #UnfinishedBusiness,” the British fighter tweeted.

32-year-old Smith, 35-4 (20), boxed better than ever before in September and it will be interesting to see if he can go one better and get the win this time. 34-year-old Abraham, 41-4 (28) will no doubt enter the rematch as a big favourite to win.

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