By CompuBox
OBERHAUSEN, Germany- Felix Sturm of Germany defeated the previously unbeaten Fedor Chudinov of Russia by majority decision in their rematch to reclaim his WBA super middleweight title on Saturday.
Judge Ignacio Robles scored the bout a 114-114 draw, while Jean-Louis Leglande and Giuseppe Quartarone both scored it 115-113 in favor of the 37-year-old Sturm, a former four-time middleweight titleholder whose perseverance paid off despite Chudinov appearing the fresher fighter after 12 evenly matched rounds.
Sturm forced the initiative, especially in the opening rounds, though Chudinov appeared to gain the upper hand as the challenger tired.
Sturm improved to 40-5-3 (18 KOs) after claiming his fifth world title, while Chudinov, who won their first bout by split decision for the vacant title last May, dropped to 14-1 (10 KOs).
Second verse same as the first. Stat wise yes, decision wise no. Sturm outlanded Chudinov 24-22 in round 12, for the first time in 24 rounds. For the fight, Sturm was more efficient with his power punches, landing 41%, but was outlanded 226-143 by Chudinov, who threw 1022 punches. Looking to engage more, Chudinov avg'd 27 jabs per round in rematch after averaging 52 in first fight. Chudinov was 375 of 1280 in first fight. Sturm 174 of 530.