By Ruslan Chikov

In an earlier article on BoxingScene.com, WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm (37-2-2, 16 KOs) discussed his willingness to stage a unification bout with WBO beltholder Dmitry Pirog (19-0, 15KOs). Pirog is scheduled to return on May 1 in Russia against Nobuhiro Ishida of Japan. Should Pirog win, he is possibly going to face IBF champion Daniel Geale on an August date in the United States.

Pirog highly doubts Sturm's eagerness to stage a unification. He says the German superstar is only trying to make false headlines.

"Those [words from Sturm are] for the public, nothing more. The German is certainly aware of our negotiations with Geale, so he's bluffing. Most likely, Sturm is trying to earn points with his audience. I am 100% convinced that a unification bout with Felix will not take place in the foreseeable future - in Moscow or any other place - because of his failure. I am skeptical about any statement from Sturm regarding this fight," Pirog said.