Felix Sturm update

Felix Sturm update

By Wolfgang Schiffbauer

WBA middleweight world champion Felix Sturm is in the final stages of training camp for his tenth title defense on June 25 at the 18,000 seat Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, against the hard-hitting and dangerous Irishman Matthew Macklin. The defending champion engaged in a ten-round sparring session today against two different sparring partners, with one of them being the experienced former European champion Lolenga Mock–a regular in Sturm’s camp.

“I’m having a great camp and everything is working beautifully,” Sturm told Fightnews after the session. “I have excellent sparring partners that will prepare me real good for June 25. Macklin is a great fighter and I expect this to be one of the toughest challenges of my career — but he’d better be ready because he will be in for one heck of a fight. I can’t wait to raise my belt after the final bell.”

The champion will wrap up sparring on Thursday (Fightnews will again be present). Fight week activities start next week on Monday with the final press conference. On Wednesday, there will be a public training session with both fighters. As usual, both Sturm and Macklin will see eye-to-eye one final time on Friday at the official weigh-in.

Anyone think Matthew Macklin can win this fight?

WelshDevilRob wrote:Anyone think Matthew Macklin can win this fight?

Not me, personally. Don't rate him as high as some others do and, even if he performs better than I expect, he's still got it all to do to get a nod over Sturm in Germany (don't see a knockout on his part, which lessens his chances massively).

WelshDevilRob wrote:Anyone think Matthew Macklin can win this fight?

No chance. Was his last fight (Veron?) a one-off?

He was hopeless in that.

To be frank... no, even if he outworks Sturm I can't see him getting the points win in Germany. Personally, I'd see Sturm pressuring Macklin from the tight guard and working the jab well, which the Germans love to watch.

I could be wrong, I'd love to see Macklin batter Sturm though.

Sturm's better than a few of the more recent German paper champs. If he doesn't venture much outside Germany, you can't really blame him, bearing in mind what happened to him in the de la Hoya fight.

I really can't see Macklin winning this; I just think that he's a bit short in the quality department. A late stoppage for the German wouldn't totally surprise me; fairly comfortable decision is the percentage call, though. Like to be proved wrong - don't think I will be this time.

Yer wasnt too conveinced with Macklins last performance. Some people are talkin about Macklins power but he went tooth and nail with Varon, who has been stopped in 4 by the light punching Zbik.

Can only see a wide UD for Sturm, especially in Germany

Macklin's best showing was his loss to Jamie Moore. He showed heart and courage but came up short as his tactical nous went out the window. I don't believe he's improved enough to beat a solid albeit unspectacular fighter like Sturm

Never understood what the fuss about Macklin is, regardless of dodgy scoring I think Sturm will win an easy decision.

Sturm has very sound fundamentals and wins this easily for me. Macklin hasn't shown me anything to suggest he can compete in world class.

The only chance I give Macklin is if he teams up with Irishman Matthew Macklin and they both have a go at Strum

Go on Matthew, prove the doubters wrong.

Do it for your fellow Irishmen!!!!