Former world champion Felix SturmPlayer·Felix Sturm has confirmed his intention to return to professional boxing, with a bout scheduled for July 11 in Stuttgart, Germany. The 47-year-old veteran will step back into the ring for a gala evening aptly named "One Last Dance," marking another chapter in his storied career.
Sturm, a prominent figure in the middleweight and super-middleweight divisions, will face Granit SteinPlayer·Granit Stein. Stein enters the contest with a professional record of 20 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, including 11 knockouts. Sturm's own impressive professional record stands at 45 victories (20 by knockout), 6 losses, and 3 draws.
The highly anticipated encounter will take place at the Porsche ArenaVenue·Porsche Arena, a venue that holds significant history for Sturm. He has previously engaged in memorable battles there against notable opponents such as Robert StieglitzPlayer·Robert Stieglitz, Darren BarkerPlayer·Darren Barker, and Ronald HearnsPlayer·Ronald Hearns, adding a layer of familiarity and expectation to his upcoming return.
Sturm's career has seen periods of both intense activity and significant pauses. Following a victory by judicial decision over Fedor ChudinovPlayer·Fedor Chudinov in 2016, Sturm was absent from the ring for four years. His activity since then has been sporadic, with one match each in 2020 and 2021, a loss to Istvan SziliPlayer·Istvan Szili in 2022, two contests in 2023, and one last year. This upcoming fight signals a more definitive return to the professional circuit.
Internationally, Sturm first gained widespread recognition 22 years ago when he faced Oscar De La HoyaPlayer·Oscar De La Hoya. In a closely contested 12-round bout, Sturm ultimately lost his WBOCompetition·WBO middleweight title by a split decision, a fight that cemented his place on the global boxing stage. His decision to return to the ring at 47 years old underscores a deep-seated passion for the sport and a desire to compete once more before his career concludes.
Felix Sturm in the audience at the Ringside Series 2026 Night of Heavyweights. Photo: HMB-Media/IMAGO
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