By James Slater – When reading the comments left on the ESB report for Saturday night’s WBA middleweight title defence by Felix Sturm, it is apparent a good many fans wish to see Sturm in with fighters who are perceived to be tougher and more talented than Ronald Hearns – the man the German star TKO’d in the 7th of a good fight.
Some fans claim they knew all along that the son of the great Thomas Hearns had next to no chance of beating Sturm and that they refuse to give Felix too much credit: either as a winner or as WBA champion.. Well, in speaking with the media shortly after his latest win, Sturm said himself that what he wants next is a unification clash – against either Sebastian Zbik, the “regular” WBC champ at 160, or, failing that “another champion.”
As quoted by Fightnews, Sturm 34-2-1(17) said he would love an all-German clash between he and the undefeated Zbik.
“I don’t want to say something about the future until we have signed contracts by all parties involved,” Sturm said intriguingly. “We hope to make an announcement in a couple of weeks. Sebastian Zbik was recently awarded the WBC belt; I’m sure that would be a great fight and I believe he wants to do it. A title unification between two Germans would be historic. But if we can’t get Zbik, we’ll eye another champion.”
As fans know, the “real” middleweight champion of the world, the man who holds the prestigious and unbiased Ring Magazine belt, is Sergio Martinez. Will Sturm “eye” the argentine southpaw if he cannot get a date with Zbik any time soon? Sturm would likely enter a fight with “Maravilla” as a considerable underdog, even if the fight took place in Germany. But will it happen? Will Martinez get past the unbeaten Serhiy Dzinziruk on March 12th?
At least Sturm does want to fight the best, though – despite what his critics say. And a fight between he and Zbik, though it wouldn’t crown a genuine middleweight ruler (only a win over Dzinziruk will do that), would be a good one, with either guy having a great chance of winning. Certainly this fight, if it happens, will be huge in Germany! Or maybe Sturm will look towards a fight with current WBO champ Dmitriy Pirog?
As for the beaten Hearns, who was doing reasonably well up until the 6th-round (bagging three rounds on my card, for what that’s worth) – he promised before the media that he will come back stronger.
“I’m gonna be a world champion in the future,” Ronald said defiantly. “Tonight he was the better man and I thank Felix for this great opportunity. This won’t be the last you’ve seen of me.”
Hearns’ problem in the fight, at least in my opinion, was his lack of power. Hearns was able to tag Sturm a number of times, with his left jab and some right hands, but he couldn’t hurt him. Ronald also looked quite slight of build in comparison. A drop back down to 154 would seem an option, if not for the fact that Hearns says he is stronger and more comfortable at middleweight. Will he be able to get himself a second title shot down the road? It won’t be easy.