Fedor Chudinov vs. Felix Sturm 2: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
WBA super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov (14-0, 10 KO) will rematch former champion Felix Sturm (39-5-3, 18 KO) on Saturday in Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Chudinov surprised the veteran Sturm in their first fight by scoring a split-decision victory in May 2015.
The Russian won the title in the process. He has had one successful title defense since defeating Sturm last year. In September 2015, Chudinov took a unanimous decision over Frank Buglioni.
That victory served as validation for the 28-year-old, but he can put a decisive end to his rivalry with Sturm by beating the proud German on his home soil again. TSZ has the detailed tale of the tape:
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The first fight took place in Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany. Here's the viewing details for the rematch:
When: Saturday, February 20 at 2 p.m. ET
TV: BoxNation
Live Stream: BoxNation TV (region restrictions apply)
Last Time Out
Bugging Buglioni
Chudinov doesn't have a ton of experience, but you wouldn't be able to tell that by watching him in the ring. In his bout against Buglioni, Chudinov showed off masterful combinations and consistently beat his opponent to the punch.
He won an easy unanimous decision even after having two points deducted for a lapse in judgment after the sixth round. After the bell sounded, Chudinov landed a couple of shots that dropped Buglioni.
Fortunately for Chudinov, the penalty wasn't disqualification. That might have wiped out an otherwise flawless performance. The fight took place at Wembley Stadium in Buglioni's hometown of London.
Just as Chudinov had done in his first fight with Sturm, he went into enemy territory and earned a victory. His ability to overcome geographical disadvantages might be his best quality.
Chudinov Stuns Sturm
Sturm is no spring chicken. At 37 years old, he's in the twilight of his distinguished career. In the first meeting with Chudinov, he was made to look old. Both fighters tend to stand flat-footed while throwing punches.
It made for a fairly entertaining scrap, but Sturm's work rate looked to decrease later in the fight. Chudinov looked to be the fresher fighter, and he was able to parlay that into a victory. Officially, the fight was scored a split decision, but it seemed clear Chudinov won the fight. He'll be looking to leave no doubt on Saturday.
Prediction
The rematch should look similar to the first fight, only Chudinov will be even more confident and aggressive. He found a home for the straight right hand down the middle with increased regularity later in the fight.
He'll look to counter over the top of Sturm's jab. The German has a strong chin, but a looser and more relaxed Chudinov will stun Sturm this time around. Don't be surprised to see Sturm go to the canvas in the middle rounds.
It would be a shock to see him finished, but expect Chudinov to walk away with a more decisive victory via unanimous decision.
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