Arthur Abraham vs Paul Smith rematch set for February 21

WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham and Paul Smith will meet in a February 21 rematch following the controversial decision in their first fight on September 27 in Germany.

Abraham beat Smith in a highly competitive fight, with very wide scores of 117-111, 117-111, and 119-109. Smith and his team officially requested a rematch to be mandated by the WBO, but the sanctioning body declined, despite President Paco Valcarcel admitting that at least one judge (Fernando Laguna, who had the 11-1 card) had a poor night.

Abraham (41-4, 28 KO) and Smith (35-4, 20 KO) will square off again at the O2 World arena in Berlin. Their first fight took place in Kiel, and was a much more competitive fight than was expected by most going in. Smith, 32, had arguably the best night of his career, and was crushed by the loss.

Is Smith deserving of the rematch, and do you think he can pull off the win this time around?