Sturm vs Macklin

Tip: Sturm to win by Decision 1.72 (bet365).
TV: Skysports Two from 8.30 PM, following Brook vs N'Dou.
Stakes: WBA 'Super' World Middleweight Championship.

Firstly, a quick background on the two fighters before we get to a prediction. Sturm, despite holding a rather farcical version of a world title is indeed a world level fighter. He is making the ninth defense of his title, having defended it against a series of C- minus fighters and a couple of decent fighters in Ronald Hearns and fellow German Sylvester. Macklin is a two time European Champ, probably most well known for being knocked out by Jamie Moore in a domestic classic. At Middleweight, he looks to have shown some stamina/physical problems, looking a bit soft at the weight in my view.

In this fight I am taking Sturm, and in impressive fashion. I believe he will deconstruct Macklin, I think there is even a possibility he will stop him late but even if you don't share this view, we know that Sturm can win rounds with his jab as well as anyone in the sport. Consider these factors also when highlighting where the fight takes place also (Germany), although in fairness the aforementioned Sylvester just lost his IBF version of the world title to Daniel Geale not so long ago in his hometown.

In terms of the technical match up, I feel Sturm's body work (his team believe Macklin is vulnerable to the body) will prevent any serious scares late on, with a stoppage for Sturm more likely. Macklin is a busy Boxer-Puncher type, with plenty of feints and upper body movement, but I think his rather standard defense will make it easy for Sturm to use his low but accurate punch output to wear down Macklin.

Sturm will win but I would advise against a KO bet considering the German only has 15 knockouts to his name.