Abraham-Marquez fight postponed

Oct 4, 2008 - 12:00 PM BERLIN (Ticker) -- Undefeated IBF middleweight champion "King" Arthur Abraham was forced to postpone his title defense against mandatory challenger Raul Marquez after waking up with flu-like symptoms.

Saturday's scheduled bout will instead take place November 8 in Bamberg, Germany.

"I am very sorry for my fans," said Abraham, who is 27-0 with 22 knockouts. "I really wanted to fight but the doctors would not let me. In my current physical condition it is impossible to step into the ring."

Abraham, 28, was taken to a hospital for further tests and was diagnosed with influenza.

The Armenian native - with German citizenship - was due to make the ninth defense of his title with an eye on a potential fight with WBC and WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik early next year.

"There is no way he can make a mandatory title defense in his current state," Abraham's coach Ulli Wegner said. "It is a pity but there is nothing we can do. I am very sorry for the fans. We'll try to get Arthur healthy again as soon as possible and will prepare him for the fight on November 8."

The 37-year-old Marquez is 41-3-1 with 29 knockouts during his career and has won six of his past seven fights. The American also had a draw with Bronco McKart during that stretch.