Sturm Decisions Castillejo To Regain WBA Title

Felix Sturm regained his WBA middleweight title from Javier Castillejo, unanimously outpointing the veteran Spaniard on Saturday.

Sturm was too skilled and fast for the Spaniard, avenging a loss to him nine months ago in the 10th round. He snapped Castillejo's head back with shots throughout the fight and slipped away without getting hit.

The German (27-2, 12 knockouts) won his third title, having lost the WBO belt to Oscar de la Hoya on a controversial decision in 2004.

Unlike the first fight against Castillejo, Sturm didn't let this bout turn into a brawl after leading on the cards. He was stunned by a shot to the liver in their first fight, then stopped by a series of uppercuts.

"I think I showed I learned from my mistake - it's better to fight with your head," Sturm said. "I think I can stay champion a long time this time."

The judges ruled the fight 116-112, 115-114 and 116-112.

Castillejo (62-7 with 41 knockouts) chased Sturm the whole fight, throwing punches desperately until the final seconds in a finish that brought 5,000 spectators to their feet. But even when he forced the close-in fight he wanted, he couldn't penetrate Sturm's defense or stop from getting hit by the German's quick hands.

Sturm had been considered an up-and-coming fighter after the De la Hoya performance, but the loss against Castillejo had tarnished his image.

"You can learn more from a loss like that (than) in all my 26 wins before," Sturm said.