“One Last Dance” in Stuttgart: Felix Sturm wants to say goodbye in style, Granit Stein wants to make history.
The first official press conference for Felix Sturm’s farewell fight already made it clear five weeks before the event: July 11 will be a special evening for German boxing. In the Porsche Arena Stuttgart, the scene of many great moments in his career, the former world champion and his opponent Granit Stein faced the media for the first time.
The atmosphere on site was characterized by respect, anticipation and a palpable emotionality. Numerous media representatives, partners and guests attended to experience the start of a boxing evening that is already regarded as one of the most important German boxing events of the year.
For Felix Sturm, the fight is far more than just another appearance in the ring. It is the end of an extraordinary career. “I’m 47 years old and have been doing this sport for 36 years. I always wanted to say goodbye in my own setting – in a way that my fans deserve and that I owe them,” explained Sturm.
The five-time world champion once again made it unmistakably clear that this will indeed be his last professional fight: “My family has had to do without me a lot over the years. There are things you can’t buy – including character and your own word. I have promised my family that this will be my last fight.”
Four times world champion in Stuttgart
It is no coincidence that the Porsche Arena was chosen as the venue. Sturm celebrated some of the greatest successes of his career here. “The Porsche Arena is like a second living room for me. I became world champion here four times. The atmosphere was always exceptional. I’m looking forward to boxing in this setting once again.”
Sturm was also highly motivated in sporting terms. He paid tribute to his opponent, but at the same time made it clear that he did not want to leave his farewell to chance: “Granit was the only one who accepted the fight immediately. I have great respect for that. He is a strong and above all combative boxer. That’s exactly why I’m looking forward to this duel.”
Challenger Granit Stein is looking forward to the biggest fight of his career to date with great anticipation. The Ingolstadt native made no secret of the fact that Felix Sturm influenced him at a young age: “When I started boxing, Felix Sturm was one of my role models. Being able to box against him is something very special. But at some point, role models disappear. Now I’m looking forward to competing against him and beating him.”
“A storm cannot harm a stone.”
For Stein, the fight is also a chance to finally establish himself on the big stage: “A fight like this is confirmation of everything I’ve invested over the last few years. The discipline, the hard work, the sacrifices – that’s what you work for as a boxer. I want to show people who I am.” The 30-year-old was self-confident and also picked up on his well-known comparison from nature once again. “My name is my strength. My name is stone. A storm can’t harm a stone.”
Despite their rivalry, it was clear on the podium that both boxers have respect for each other. At the same time, it became clear that two generations and two different stories will meet on July 11.
Sturm spoke of a last dance, a dignified farewell and a great battle. Stein, on the other hand, sees the opportunity to write history himself and take up the baton for a new generation.
The response from fans already underlines the importance of the event. Numerous fans of both boxers from Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, the USA and other countries have announced their attendance. When the first bell sounds in the Porsche Arena on July 11, it will be about far more than just victory or defeat. It will be the last ring appearance of Felix Sturm, a boxer who has shaped German boxing for decades, thrilled millions of fans and created countless unforgettable moments.
If you want to experience this special evening live, you shouldn’t wait much longer. Demand is high and many tickets have already been sold. Be there when boxing history is written and one of the greatest careers in German boxing comes to an emotional conclusion. Tickets are available here.
Text: Press release / Sturm Boxing