This is pure speculation. I haven't heard anything. I'm just reading between the lines and guessing here. 1- Abraham has been having a hard time making 160 lbs for quite a while. It seems even more clear for his fight against Marquez. I think it is possible that Abraham might be thinking about moving up. 2- Since his fight with Berrio. Lucian Bute has a contractual obligation to defend his IBF Title against one of Sauerland' fighters. Earlier this year names like Mads Larsen and Danilo Haussler were mentionned. But it seems those names have been taken off the table. Could Abraham be the new opponent? 3- I beleive Kelly Pavlik will be targeting the big fights from now on. Those fighters are all at 168lbs or higher with the exception of Abraham at 160lbs. I think Abraham will want to chase Pavlik by moving up too. These are the reasons why I believe a fight between Lucian Bute and Arthur Abraham is very possible for 2009. But for that to happen. They both will have to win their next fight.
I'm just glad Bute is stepping in the ring with Andrade. That's a big test. He absorbed alot of hits from Kessler and kept coming forward. Dangerous until the end of the fight. And he just marched Stieglitz down. Bute and Stieglitz obviously not of the same caliber. But still, Andrade showed the same toughness against him as he did Kessler.
I'd think Abraham would be much more likely to fight Kessler. Just a much more marketable fight in Germany than Bute, and unlike Bute, Kessler's shown a willingness to fight on his opponent's home turf. I hadn't heard that Sauerland has an option on him though. If they do, a fight with Markus Beyer would make a lot of sense, probably more than risking Abraham losing when there are paths of less resistance or more cash available if Abraham moves to 168. Bute might not be a bad matchup for Abraham though, as a power counterpuncher. The way he leaves his hands down, and the way his jab loops a bit, he'll be open to get hit hard for the 30 seconds a round Abraham decides to let go of his fists.
Bute has not shown that is not willing to fight on the road. He just did not have the opportunity yet. He was suppose to fight Mads Larsen in Denmark this summer but he got injured. Markus Beyer isn't with Sauerland anymore.
Both have tough opponents coming up but no doubt an interesting clash of styles if they meet down the road.
I don't doubt AA will win his fight. It will be very interestign to see who comes out on top between Bute and Andrade. If Andrade believes in it (which I think he will although the Kessler fight obviously took some out of his self-confidence) then he has a fair chance. Either way I expect Andrade to work hard enough to test Bute severely.
Well, Andrade - Abraham would also be a hell of a clash. Im rooting for Andrade anyway to upset Bute.
Andrade is tough, but jeez he is crap skillwise ! I like him, but come on !! Nothing but holes when i see him box. Beating a bum like Stieglitz is no great shakes is it? Berrio did him in what, 2 rounds ? he went down like he'd been shot or something. Stieglitz is a Mario Veit clone. I expect another Calzone-a-like points decision. No way Bute has the power to stop anyone world class except Berry-o.
I know that AA will only have maybe 2 fights left at middleweight after his fight this Saturday. But though he is stepping up in weight afterwards, I really don't know against whom I want him to square off in the ring. Bute, Kessler, Inkin, Froch, Pascal, Andrade...maybe Inkin to pick up a title easily but then again, Inkin is with UBP...
