World champion Abraham to face Sjekloca

Germany's world super-middleweight champion Arthur Abraham will defend his recently won WBO title against Nikola Sjekloca of Montenegro on May 3 in Berlin, it was announced on Tuesday. The 34-year-old defeated compatriot Robert Stieglitz on a split decision at the start of the month to win back the title he lost to the same opponent in March 2013. "Finally, I have the WBO belt back around my waist and I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon," said Abraham. "I gave so much blood, sweat and tears for my last fight and it made me a world champion again. "I will need to do the same to prepare for Sjekloca on May 3rd." Sjekloca has already had a crack at a world title in the division when he lost the WBC eliminator to Sakio Bika in Atlantic City in February 2013 on a unanimous decision. The Bika result is the only defeat of Sjekloca's career in 27 bouts with eight knock-outs from his 26 victories. "Sjekloca, has a good jab and tries to be very active," said Abraham's coach Ulli Wegner. "In his fight against Sakio Bika he also showed that he can take a punch, so Arthur can't rely only on his power." Source: AFP