With both fighters exhibiting much mutual respect, Andre Dirrell and Arthur Abraham met the press for the final time at an assembled media gathering at the MGM Casino in downtown Detroit in advance of their bout on Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena. Unlike many press conferences of the day, there was no shouting, hurling of insults, or degradation of opponents skills and abilities. What was on display was an example of two athletes, trained, confident, and ready to show their skills in the ring, fightnews.com reported.
After brief introductory remarks by promoters Gary Shaw and Wilfred Sauerland, Arthur Abraham was first to take the podium. “I’m not here to talk, I’m here to box” proclaimed a stoic and serious Abraham leading off his very short remarks. After thanking everyone for attending and stating that he has great respect for every boxer as they all are fighting for their family, pride and country, he closed with a “see you Saturday night.”
A slightly more animated but also very serious Andre Dirrell took the podium to the shouts and cheers of his camp and supporters. “We worked real hard in camp. Arthur will see the true essence and science of boxing. I feel excellent. Arthur Abraham is a great opponent and I’m glad to have the opportunity to fight him.” However, Dirrell ended his comments with a resounding “the king will be dethroned!”
