Berlin: Germany's world middleweight champion Felix Sturm has already promised Ireland's Matthew Macklin a rematch after defending his WBA title in controversial fashion with a split decision.
After a gruelling 12 rounds, the champion was left bleeding from his lip while Macklin had a cut eyelid, but Sturm was awarded the fight by the judges 113-115, 116-112 and 116-112 in front of a 18,500 strong crowd in Cologne.
"I should be champion," said Macklin after Saturday night's fight.
"I believe I was the better fighter, but it is not Felix's fault, he wasn't a judge."
The judges were Levi Martinez from the USA, Jose Ignacio Martinez from Spain and Roberto Ramirez from Puerto Rico.
This was Sturm's 10th title defence and Macklin was far from happy with the verdict having pushed the champion all the way, but the German has already said he will give the Birmingham-based Irishman a rematch.
"Germany is famous for many things, unfortunately also for bad decisions," Macklin's manager Brian Peters said, after the decision.
Sturm, who himself lost his WBO title to Oscar de la Hoya in 2004 in Las Vegas after a controversial decision, saw no problem with the decision.
"It wasn't a wrong decision, but it was close," said the 32-year-old German who was photographed with Germany footballer Lukas Podolski and Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko after the bout.
"It was not my most outstanding performance, but okay I have had a few clear shots and Matt worked hard. In my view, the decision was absolutely correct.
"We will definitely have a second fight, we have already agreed it."
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 22:48