“I am 47 years old and have been doing this sport for 36 years,” said Sturm. “I always wanted to say goodbye in my own way, in a way that my fans deserve and that I owe them.”
While fighters have often reversed retirement decisions in the past, Sturm said his family played a big role in ensuring this one would be permanent.
“My family has had to do a lot without me over the years,” Sturm said. “There are things money can’t buy, including character and one’s word. I promised my family that this would be my last fight.”
The choice of venue carries particular significance for the German boxing veteran. Sturm won four world titles at the Porsche Arena during his career and described the Stuttgart venue as a second home.
“The Porsche Arena is like a second home to me,” Sturm said. “I became world champion four times here. The atmosphere has always been exceptional. I look forward to boxing in this environment again.”
Although the event was largely promoted as a celebration of Sturm’s career, opponent Granit Stein made it clear that he had no intention of playing a supporting role.
“When I started boxing, Felix Sturm was one of my role models,” Stein said. “To be able to box against him is something very special. But role models eventually disappear. Now I’m looking forward to facing him and beating him.”
Stein sees the fight as an opportunity to establish himself on a bigger stage after years of working out of the spotlight.
“A fight like this is a confirmation of everything I’ve invested in the past years,” Stein said. “The discipline, the hard work, the sacrifices. That’s what you work for as a boxer. I want to show people who I am.”
Sturm, 47, compiled a 45-6-3 record during a career that included world titles over multiple reigns. His final fight against Stein is scheduled for July 11 at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany.
