By Jake Donovan
Fedor Chudinov and Felix Sturm both successfully made weight ahead of their super middleweight title fight rematch Saturday evening at Koenig Pilsner Arena in Oberhausen, Germany.
Chudinov came in right at the 168 lb. division limit, while Sturm weighed in at a trim and ready 167 lbs.
Friday's pre-fight session not only went without incident, but came with a respectful gesture from the defending titlist. Recognizing his opponent's popularity, Chudinov allowed Sturm to weigh in second, a role normally enjoyed by the champion.
Chudinov (14-0, 10KOs) makes the second defense of the belt he claimed in a 12-round win over Sturm last May, which also took place in Germany. Saturday's rematch will mark his fourth road trip in his last five fights, including a decisive unanimous decision victory over Frank Buglioni last September in London, England.
Sturm (39-5-3, 18KOs) has not fought since last year's title fight loss. The former four-time middleweight titlist - who recently turned 37 - instead took some time off, allowing Chudinov an optional title defense before exercising his rematch clause.
The sequel was tentatively slated to take place last December, but was pushed back in order to work out the logistics.
Awaiting the winner will be a mandatory title defense versus Giovanni De Carolis, as part of the continuing efforts of the World Boxing Association (WBA) to consolidate its titlists. Chudinov is recognized as the WBA "super" champ at 168 lbs., while De Carolis recently claimed the "regular" title with a knockout win over Vincent Feigenbutz in their thrilling rematch this past January.
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox