“I’m 47 years old and have been doing this sport for 36 years,” Sturm said. “I always wanted to say goodbye in my own way, in a manner that my fans deserve and that I owe them.”
While fighters have often reversed retirement decisions in the past, Sturm stated that his family played a major role in ensuring this one would be permanent.
“My family has had to do without me a great deal over the years,” Sturm said. “There are things that money can’t buy, including character and one’s word. I promised my family that this will be my last fight.”
The choice of venue carries particular significance for the German boxing veteran. Sturm captured 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’m looking forward to boxing in this setting again.”
Although the event has largely been promoted as a celebration of Sturm’s career, opponent Granit Stein made it clear he has no intention of playing a supporting role.
“When I started boxing, Felix Sturm was one of my role models,” Stein said. “Being able to box against him is something very special. But role models eventually fade away. Now I’m looking forward to facing him and beating him.”
Stein views the bout as an opportunity to establish himself on a larger stage after years of work outside the spotlight.
“A fight like this is confirmation of everything I’ve invested in recent 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, has compiled a record of 45-6-3 during a career that included world titles across multiple reigns. His final fight against Stein is scheduled for July 11 at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany.
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