Granit Stein faces the biggest fight of his career on July 11 when he meets former champion Felix Sturm in Stuttgart – and wants to make the most of this opportunity.
The hot phase of Granit Stein’s career begins. On July 11, the Fides Sports Promotion protégé will face none other than Felix Sturm in the Porsche Arena Stuttgart. For the former five-time world middleweight and super-middleweight champion, it will be the last professional fight of his extraordinary career. For Stein, on the other hand, it could be the evening on which he finally arrives on the big stage of German boxing.
From super middleweight to light heavyweight
The 29-year-old does not see the fact that there are only a few weeks between his last fight and the duel with Sturm as a disadvantage. “That’s not a big problem for me. The fight with Felix Sturm was fixed beforehand. I’m fit and physically well prepared for it,” explains Stein.
For the challenge, the former super middleweight is moving up to light heavyweight. He doesn’t see this as a decisive factor either: “It’s not a huge leap from super-middleweight to light-heavyweight. You can do it for this huge fight,” says Stein with a smile. “The preparation is basically the same.”
What makes the duel special is the story behind the two boxers. Like many young German boxers, Granit Stein followed Felix Sturm’s career for years. The 47-year-old is considered one of the most successful German professional boxers of all time. “Felix Sturm is a legend, multiple world champion and a role model for many boxers,” says Stein. “But now is a different time, it’s my time. I want to show that I can compete at the top.”
No room for sentimentality
Despite all the recognition for his opponent’s career, Stein is certain that there will be no room for sentimentality on the evening of the fight: “It’s a special feeling to be in the ring against such a top man. But emotionally, every boxing match is the same. I always motivate myself anew and am fully focused.”
When the offer for the fight came, Stein didn’t have to think twice. “I said yes straight away. Not everyone gets a chance like this. A big thank you to my promoter Burim Sylejmani, who arranged the whole thing.” While many observers see the fight as a big farewell stage for Felix Sturm, Stein sees the situation from a different perspective. “I have nothing to lose in this fight. I can only win and I will win.”
“A storm can’t harm a stone”
He also puts his much-discussed sentence “A storm can’t hurt a stone” into perspective: “That’s self-confidence. I’ll do everything I can to make the most of this opportunity and show everyone that I’m ready for fights like this.” At the same time, Stein criticizes the development in professional boxing, where the focus is often on protecting one’s own record: “Many would not even dare to step into the ring against Felix Sturm. Because they are afraid of ruining their positive record. This is exactly the kind of fight that boxing needs. It invigorates the sport.”
On July 11 in Stuttgart, a German boxing legend will face a challenger who sees his big chance coming. For Felix Sturm, it’s about a dignified farewell. For Granit Stein, it’s an opportunity to write his own history. The fight promises not only sporting excitement, but also emotional moments: On one side, a legend lacing up his gloves for the last time. On the other, a hungry challenger who wants to seize the opportunity of a lifetime.
Text: Press release / Fides Sports