If you’re a close follower of the Super Middleweight division, you’re probably thinking: Why on earth are these guys doing it all again? Hey, I feel your pain. Chudinov vs Sturm II is an unnecessary matchup in every sense, and especially so when Fedor Chudinov comfortably captured the WBA crown in their first encounter last May. The official scorecards may have produced a Split Decision, but anyone who saw the fight knows a few Mr Magoos were working ringside that night.
Going into the weekend’s sequel, Russia’s Chudinov brings an unblemished record of 14 wins and 10 knockouts, while former champ Felix Sturm brings a seasoned 39 wins, 18 knockouts, 5 defeats and 3 draws from Germany. Right, I’m going to try and shake off this blanket of cynicism and try my best to be optimistic about this one. Chudinov vs Sturm II is the best fight of the weekend, after all (well, the most high profile, anyway).
The rematch will be aired Live on Boxnation (UK) and SAT1 (DEU).
Yes, it’s true this is a scrap between a prime, hungry fighter and a soon-to-be-over-the-hill veteran. There’s no escaping that. Chudinov, 28, is an Amateur standout and unbeaten, rising pro who, like most solid prospects, is constantly improving. OK, you could easily argue that Chduinov hasn’t met any serious threats like a James DeGale or Badou Jack as of yet, but that critique is best left for some other time.
On the whole, Chudinov looks pretty solid. Not a wrecking machine per se, but certainly a dangerous boxer-puncher who loves to cut off the ring and do damage. The guy’s fan-friendly without doubt. Chudinov was last in action in September 2015 outclassing and soundly beating up gutsy challenger Frank Buglioni who, we shouldn’t forget, also had his moments.
Positive point to cling to: Chudinov is an exciting fighter to watch.
Meanwhile, Sturm has fought no one since losing his WBA title to Chudinov. Look, there’s no way I can be optimistic about this. Sturm, for one reason or another – be it due to now being 37-years-old or some other reason – hasn’t fought in the last nine months. Personally, I think Sturm was just holding out for a rematch, knowing he had a good chance of landing the fight in his native Germany. Sturm still has a reasonable fan base there and it makes financial sense for Chudinov to return for what looks to be an easy night’s work.
Hang on, what about the positive tone I promised? Bare with me…
I guess Chudinov vs Sturm II isn’t the worst fight out there for fight fans. Sturm performed relatively well in their first meeting, and didn’t suffer half the damage a much-younger, fresher Buglioni did a few months later. So in that sense, there’s a good chance Sturm has enough savvy to get himself beyond six rounds, maybe even go the distance for a second time. And I think, really, considering the guy’s 2-2-1 in his last five fights, that’s about as positive as I can be.
Positive point to cling to: Sturm has plenty of experience behind him and, in what could be his last hurrah in the ring, could perhaps make this a memorable encounter.
To end, I’m going to pick Chudinov by late round stoppage. What’s your prediction and thoughts for Chudinov vs Sturm II, readers? Wide points or knockout victory for Chudinov? Or can you foresee a Sturm revenge shocker on the cards?
