Boxing Results: Sam Soliman survives to upset Felix Sturm

Soliman survives to upset Sturm
By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing (Feb 1, 2013)
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Sam Soliman
39-year-old Sam Soliman (43-11, 17 KOs) overcame a knockdown to win a controversial unanimous decision over former WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm (37-4-2, 16 KOs) on Friday night at the ISS Dome, Dusseldorf,Germany. Sturm, 34, has been the beneficiary of some dubious decisions (see Martin Murray and Matthew Macklin) over the past few years. He's also been on the other side of the equation (see Oscar De La Hoya).
 
With the victory, Soliman earned a shot at IBF titleholder and fellow Australian Daniel Geale.
 
Sturm started fast capturing the first two rounds with relative ease. In round two a big right hand floored Soliman. The perennial contender hauled himself up, but was obviously hurt. He survived by using his legs and staying out of harms way. Soliman came close to hitting the canvas again in round three. The gusty veteran started to rally at the end of the stanza.
 
Soliman picked up the pace in the next few rounds. His volume of punching was giving Sturm trouble. Soliman moved and punched while Sturm followed. In round nine, Sturm found his own rhythm and started catching Soliman. The last three rounds were extremely close, with both fighters doing some good work.
 
The scores were 116-111, and 114-113 (twice). Soliman's handlers carried him around the ring after the decision (initially announced incorrectly by ring announcer Michael Buffer) was rectified.
 
Sturm watched it all with a befuddled look on his face.
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