Sturm sees off Griffin

Felix Sturm claimed a unanimous points victory over Randy Griffin to retain his WBA middleweight title.

German keeps hold of title with unanimous decision

Felix Sturm claimed a unanimous points victory over Randy Griffin to retain his WBA middleweight title in Halle on Saturday evening. The German took the verdict by margins of 116-113, 116-112 and 118-110 to set the record straight following a draw between the two fighters nine months ago. "I owed Randy the rematch and it really was a great fight," said Sturm. "That is what the sport of boxing needs - fights like this. He has my full respect for his performance." Sturm used his jab to control most of the action although Griffin once again proved his heart by constantly marching forward and attempting to unload heavy combinations with limited success. Griffin did have his moments, especially in the third, but failed to make significant impact in the later rounds as Sturm turned on the style. Brave-hearted Griffin was disappointed with the clear verdict, especially of the judge who called the bout 118-110. "That difference is outrageous," he said. "I thought this fight was mucher closer to a draw than the first one," he added. "Maybe we can do a third fight, maybe in the US."