Felix Sturm, 47, to fight final bout on July 11 in Stuttgart, reflects on prison and career

He was one of the biggest stars of the German boxing boom. Five world titles, unforgettable TV evenings watched by millions, and a fight against world star Oscar De La Hoya that is still debated today. On July 11, at the age of 47, Felix Sturm will fight his 56th and final bout of his career in Stuttgart. In the big farewell interview with BILD am Sonntag, he talks about the greatest evening of his career, the death of his mother, and his time in prison.

The Farewell Interview

BILD: What title would a film about your career have?

Felix Sturm (47): Felix Sturm – a man who never gives up.

Are you already feeling nostalgic?

No. The anticipation outweighs it. I am motivated until the last day. But it is also clear to me: After July 11, it is over. Nothing will change that.

Really?

Yes. I have closed the chapter on boxing as an active athlete. 36 years in this sport are more than enough. I have achieved a lot and am happy with my career. Of course, I will miss something. Boxing has defined my entire life. But I am also looking forward to what comes next.

What will you miss the most?

The competition mode. The butterflies before a fight. But exactly this pressure is now also lifting from my family. My children know exactly what such a fight means. It has also been a burden for them. That is why I am glad this chapter is ending.

Do you still remember your very first boxing training session?

Everything! I was eleven years old, wanted to play basketball with my buddy Andreas. That was my great passion. He then said he was going to boxing training. So I just went along. I was wearing light blue jeans, Chucks, and a gray hoodie. That is how it all began. It was love at first sight, and I was immediately fired up.

When boxing fans hear your name today, almost everyone thinks of the fight against Oscar de la Hoya in June 2004 in Las Vegas.

This fight will accompany me for my entire life. From the 7th round on, I knew: I have him! He couldn't handle my pressure. After the 11th round, I was convinced that nothing more could really go wrong.

And then came the verdict. You lost on points. A scandal.

When the verdict was announced, I was convinced I had won. That it didn't turn out that way hurt a lot, of course. But you know what? We are still talking about this fight today, over 20 years later. I am still asked about it daily. That night, I showed the whole world that I belong to the absolute world elite. That is why there is also something good in that evening for me. My life completely changed after that fight. From that day on, I was suddenly known everywhere.

The fight made you a superstar overnight...

I was invited everywhere, sat on the famous couch of "Wetten, dass..?" In some cities, I unknowingly caused traffic jams because so many people wanted a photo with me. No matter where I went, everywhere people wanted something from me.

[Interview continues below]

Note: Felix Sturm's farewell fight takes place on July 11, live on BILD from 5:30 PM.