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Their first fight played out like a Hollywood script: rife with drama, incredible two-way exchanges, a broken jaw, multiple head butts, low blows and controversy.
On Saturday, June 21, undefeated middleweight champion Arthur Abraham, and the explosive, hard-hitting Edison Miranda will co-star in the emotionally charged sequel, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). Abraham won the first fight on a hotly disputed unanimous decision in a scintillating affair on September 23, 2006. The 12-round rematch will be contested at a catch weight of 166 pounds.
Abraham and Miranda took time from their workouts Tuesday to offer some insights on how training camp has been, what they thought of their first fight and their views on the rematch.
ARTHUR ABRAHAM
“It is an advantage for me that I already know Miranda. I know how I will fight against him and that is why I know how to prepare. It gives me even more security.
“The fight weight is definitely good for me. I feel even stronger. Making weight can be a real torture but I do not have to do it this time.
“I know that I have to be more active from the first bell on. It is also important to stay concentrated. Miranda is a guy who makes you pay for mistakes. But I will not give him a chance to do so. I will win.
“In the first meeting the broken jaw kept me from showing my true potential. I will make up for that on June 21.”
EDISON MIRANDA
“Abraham is making the biggest mistake of his life. The last time, I broke his jaw when I was weak and struggling to make 160 pounds. At super middleweight I’m so strong it’s scary. I’d be surprised if he makes it five rounds.
“The last fight was the worst night of my career because I had the title stolen from me. Now we’re on a level playing field and the only thing determining the outcome of this fight will be my fists. And I will get my redemption on Saturday.
“He’s a good fighter and I respect him as a fighter. But I will not hesitate to destroy him when we’re in the ring. This is a man’s business and I don’t know if he belongs here anymore.
“Abraham made me wait almost two years for my rematch and on Saturday I will make him pay for every minute I waited.
“I’ve had my best camp ever. I’m on weight and I’m just climbing the walls waiting for the first bell to ring. After I send Arthur Abraham back home I want to settle another score with Kelly Pavlik. Joe Calzaghe won’t fight him, but I will, and it won’t be the same story the second time around.”
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