European Boxing News: Sturm Defeats Griffin In Rematch, Retains WBA Title

By Per Ake Persson

WBA Middle Champ Felix Sturm retained the title with an impressive display of slick, sharp boxing against American challenger Randy Griffin in the headliner of Universum´s show at the Gerry Weber Stadium, in Halle, Germany.

It was scored 116-112, 116-113 and 118-110. There were no knockdowns and neither man was at any time hurt. Griffin was under pressure in the last two and had Sturm possessed more power, Griffin would surely have been stopped in the eleventh round.

At the final bell, Griffin also seemed unsteady. Sturm was off to a good start while Griffin looked a bit rusty and unsure off what to do. The champion controlled the tempo of the fight while Griffin´s sheer aggression and hard work won him a few rounds.

Sturm has now 120 days to face mandatory challenger Sebastian Sylvester, who was ringside and must have been concerned about Sturm´s speed and slick style.