Macklin/Sturm presser

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WBA Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm (32 2-1, 15 KOs) and hard-hitting challenger Matthew Macklin (28 2, 19 KOs) met for the first time today at the opening press conference in advance of their June 25 world title clash at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany. Both fighters displayed confidence and promised a victory, but showed respect for each other as well.


I’ll batter him from the get-go,” Sturm promised at today’s presser in Cologne. “This will be a war and I will be ready to go come June 25. I’ll keep my title by all means necessary.” His coach Fritz Sdunek even talked about a late-round knockout win and added: “We have a Plan A and a Plan B ready. We don’t want to look like Arthur Abraham did last week against Andre Ward.”
Making his tenth title defense, Sturm was also full of respect for his Irish challenger. “He is a great opponent. He has experience, can fight many different ways and has that Irish warrior’s mentality. He is one of the five best middleweights in the world and that will make for a great fight.”
While the European middleweight champion Macklin agreed with that later statement, he has quite a different opinion on the outcome of his first world title challenge. “I’m gonna win. For sure, there is no doubt about that,” he said smiling. “He is a great technician but my time has come and my punch will win this battle.”
“My preparation is wonderful and it will only get better,” Sturm responded. “I will have an answer for anything he does inside the ring. The Sunday after the fight, I’ll celebrate my victory with my friends and family at a nice barbecue.”