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The highly anticipated rematch between super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov and Felix Sturm will take place on February 20th, 2016 at the Koenig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany according to an official announcement by Sturm Box Promotions.
A Rescheduled Rematch
The bout was originally scheduled last December but was moved to a 2016 date. Chudinov and Sturm first fought last May 9th, 2015 for a vacant super middleweight title. Chudinov claimed a split decision win over Sturm in the latter’s hometown in a closely fought back and forth battle that saw Chudinov dominate a tiring Sturm in the final few rounds of the contest.
While Sturm hasn’t fought since that loss, the undefeated Chudinov will be making the second defense of his world title. He retained his 168-pound title with a wide unanimous decision win over Frank Buglioni last September at England’s famed Wembley Stadium. Chudinov will be fighting in Germany for only the second time in his career as he’s fought has of it in his native Russia. Only 28 years old, Chudinov has 10 KOs in 14 wins.
Fifth World Title
Sturm, meanwhile, is 0-2-1 in his last three bouts. The former IBF, WBO, WBA and WBA (Super) middleweight champion lost his IBF middleweight title to Sam Soliman in May of 2014 and then engaged in a split draw with countryman and former middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz six months later before losing to Chudinov. The 36-year old Sturm is looking to get back on the winner’s side badly and win a fifth world title. He once made 12 consecutive successful defenses of the WBA middleweight title from 2007-2012 before losing to Daniel Geale via split decision.
Who Takes This?
Chudinov is the favorite in this fight at -205 while Sturm a live underdog at +350. He beat Sturm handily in their first fight, despite one judge scoring it 116-112 in favor of Sturm. He controlled most of the fight, except for a few exchanges in the 6th and 7th rounds where Sturm dominated. However, the veteran has Chudinov where he wants: in Germany. Although he lost the first time out, he is good in making adjustments and will likely be able to do so in the rematch. Chudinov has the power that could topple and even just bother Sturm and he may be too quick for the older man. But Sturm has proven to be stubborn – especially in Germany – so this should be an exciting fight to look forward to.
