Weigh-in: Sturm 159.84, Soliman 159.84

By Boxing News - 01/31/2013 - Comments

Felix_Sturm_2Photo credit: Team Sturm) By Jim Dower: Former WBA Super World middleweight champion Felix Sturm (37-3-2, 16 KO’s) successfully weighed in on Thursday for his IBF middleweight eliminator bout against Australia’s Sam Soliman (42-11, 17 KO’s) for their IBF middleweight eliminator bout on Friday night at the ISS Dome in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The 34-year-old Sturm weighed in at 159.84 pounds. Soliman, 39, came in at the same weight of 159.84.

Sturm is hoping to win this fight so that he can get another fight against IBF middleweight champion Daniel Geale. Sturm was beaten by Geale last year in September by a very close 12 round split decision in Germany.

Sturm could have pulled the fight out had he worked a little harder, but the difference in the fight is the better work rate from Geale. Sturm mainly threw jabs and that wasn’t enough to impress the judges.

You’ve got to like Sturm’s chances against Soliman in this fight. Soliman leaves himself open a lot when he throws shots, and he’s not as solid or as skilled as Sturm. For Soliman to win this fight, he’s going to need to do what Geale and Matthew Macklin did against Sturm by throwing a lot of shots to keep Sturm covering up in his defensive shell.

Sturm doesn’t like to get hit, and he covers up until he feels it’s safe to come and start throwing his jab. He can be overwhelmed by punchers, but it’s doubtful the 39-year-old Soliman will have the engine to keep Sturm from winning a 12 round decision. The fight is taking place in Germany, so you can expect the close rounds to go to Sturm, if there are any close rounds.

Sturm has the power to give Soliman problems if he lets his hands go in any real way. Sturm rarely slugs for any length of time, however, as he prefers to play it safe by just jabbing.

Official weights:

Felix Sturm 159.84 – Sam Soliman 159.84
Susi Kentikian 111.33 – Sanae Jah
Maurice Weber 153.88 – Mariusz Biskupski 153.88
Patrick Dobroschi 174.61 – Lolenga Mock 174.17



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