Will the number 13 be unlucky for Felix Sturm against Daniel Geale? Daniel Geale certainly hopes it is.
When IBF Middleweight champion Daniel ‘The Real Deal’ Geale unifies his title against German WBA Middleweight belt holder Felix Sturm the Australian will be hoping that the number 13 is unlucky for Sturm.
The fight on 1 September will be Sturm’s 13th straight defence of his world title. His reign has lasted six years, something Geale will be looking to end.
The last time Geale was in Germany he shocked the world, claiming the IBF world title with a 12-round decision win over local fan favourite Sebastian Sylvester.
Since that date last May, Geale has made two successful defences of his title in his home town of Hobart, against Eromosele Albert last August and Osumanu Adama in March 2012.
“I’m truly thankful to be fighting in this unification bout with Felix Sturm,” Geale said.
“My promoter Gary Shaw has promised me the biggest fights and he’s kept his word. Fighting in Germany is a very difficult task, but I was successful there once before when I captured my first world title against Sebastian Sylvester.”
“I also want to thank my managers Garrie Fransisco and Billy Treacy who, in conjunction with my trainer Graham Shaw, have all worked hard to get me to the top.”
“Right now I’m in the best shape of my life and Graham has seen the improvements in my ability to make adjustments in the ring. I’m fully prepared to give the fans an exciting fight when I step in the ring with Sturm.”
Felix Sturm, who is yet to fight outside of Germany, was very appreciative of getting to fight in front of his home-country fans once again.
“Fighting in my native land of Germany is incredible and I can’t wait to show the German fans, once again, what I’m made of,” Sturm stated.
“Daniel Geale is a worthy opponent, but he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me. I fight for the people of Germany and I’m not going to let them down!”
“I will be victorious on September 1,” Sturm announced.
The fight will be Geale’s toughest yet and he will have to again contend with Sturm’s home-country advantage, as well as with the judge’s decisions.
The fight will be televised live on Main Event PPV in the early hours of Sunday 1 September in Australia.
steve b
Guest
Simo your right Daniel is a top bloke and if anyone in aussie boxing deserves everthing he can get its him. But your right about the judjes lets hope their from the U.K. because i cant see him knocking Sturm out ...
Simo
Guest
This is such a good thing for australian boxing. Geale is a humble bloke willing to put it all on the line to take on the best. He's definately a chance against Sturm, hopefully he can secure some international judges to prevent the pattern of many foreign fighters being robbed of rightful victories on German soil.