Former five-time world champion Felix Sturm lost his retirement fight to Granit Stein by split decision in Stuttgart, Germany. The 47-year-old was outworked by the younger Stein over 10 rounds, ending a decorated 25-year professional boxing career on Saturday night.
The fight, promoted as Sturm’s “One Last Dance,” demonstrated the unyielding reality of time in the ring. Stein, the 33-year-old pressure fighter, executed a clear game plan from the opening bell. He denied Sturm the space required to establish his jab, staying close with relentless pressure, consistent body work, and combinations that prevented the veteran from dictating the pace.
Sturm showed flashes of the technical skill that defined his championship years. He landed sharp counters at times, but these moments were not enough to halt Stein’s forward march. The younger fighter’s activity consistently forced Sturm into a higher work rate than he could sustain, preventing him from settling into any offensive rhythm. The contest was a physical one, but neither fighter was able to score a knockdown.
After 10 rounds, the outcome was left to the judges. Two officials scored the contest 95-94 and 96-95 for Stein, rewarding his aggression and volume. The third judge favored Sturm 96-93, resulting in a split-decision victory for Stein.
This loss marks the official end of Sturm’s 25-year career. He retires with a final record of 45-7-3 (20 KOs) as one of Germany’s most recognizable champions. For Granit Stein, the victory is the most significant of his career, improving his record to 21-2-1 (11 KOs) and providing a major career boost after entering the bout following a defeat.
