Wednesday 13 July 2016 08:45, UK
WBA world super-middleweight champion Giovanni De Carolis would welcome the challenge of Arthur Abraham as both prepare to showcase their credentials live on Sky Sports this Saturday.
The Italian (24-6-KO12), who claimed the title with a surprise 11th-round stoppage of Vincent Feigenbutz in January, makes his first defence against unbeaten German Tyron Zeuge (18-0-KO10).
Also on the card is the return of Abraham, who denied De Carolis the WBO crown in October 2013 before handing it over to US-based Mexican sensation Gilberto Ramirez back in April. At the age of 36, Abraham is determined to climb the mountain once more and faces Norway's Tim Robin Lihaug 15-1-KO8.
Of the possibility of gaining revenge on Abraham, De Carolis said in an interview reported on boxingtalk.com: "I'm looking forward to fighting in Germany again. This is where I won my world title and where, three years ago, I fought Arthur Abraham.
"He is one of the best fighters of our generation, and although I lost that fight, I learnt a lot. It gave me the belief that I could compete at the highest level, and without this experience, I would not be a champion today.
"Of course, I would like a rematch with Abraham. He gave me the chance to measure myself against him and I would love to avenge my defeat, but for now, all my focus is on Zeuge and defending my title on Saturday night.
"Tyron Zeuge is a talented young fighter. He is fast, he has good footwork and is technically very skilled, but he has been protected so far in his career. He has fought some good opponents but most have been tailor made to suit his style.
"I believe this will be his first real test, and we will find out how good he really is. My experience will of course play an important part, but it is not everything.
"Take for example my physique; I am now much physically stronger and more robust than I was when I was as a 24 year old. If I was to fight myself from eight years ago today, I would win easily, and I believe that will be the case on Saturday night."
One spectator paying keen attention on Saturday evening will be George Groves, who recently ousted Martin Murray to propel himself towards WBA challenger status.
Watch Giovanni De Carolis v Tyron Zeuge and the world heavyweight title fight Deontay Wilder v Chris Arreola, live from 9.00pm, Saturday, on Sky Sports 3.
