By Ian S Palmer
WBO Super Middleweight king Robert Stieglitz of Germany will be putting his title on the line against Isaac Ekpo of Nigeria in Leipzig, Germany on Saturday, October 19. Stieglitz will enter the ring with a record of 45-3 with 26 Kos while Ekpo is 22-1 with 16 Kos to his name. This is Stieglitz’s second fight since regaining the championship with a fourth-round stoppage of Arthur Abraham in March. He also stopped Yuzo Kiyota back in July.
The 30-year-old Ekpo has some pop in his punches, but he isn’t considered to be a serious threat to the 32-year-old champion. However, there’s no reason for Stieglitz to take the challenger too lightly. Ekpo has taken on mainly second-grade opponents throughout his career and this is going to be a huge step up in class for him. He was a pretty good amateur and boxed for Nigeria n the 2004 Olympics.
He should enter the ring with a lot of hunger and motivation though and anything can happen once the opening bell rings. Ekpo said, “I know the assignment is a very tough one against a world champion and an experienced veteran but I’m confident I can put up with whatever he throws at me. I promise to do my best no matter how difficult. I just have to stay focused for 12 rounds.”
Stieglitz has a lot of experience against world class boxers and he knows what he has to do to be successful. This bout might be seen as a tune-up to bigger and better things, but he’s still going to have to deliver the goods. He’s already fought 103 championship rounds during his career and shouldn’t have a problem lasting another 12.
Stieglitz can be called a classic European boxer since he stands tall and straight and fires off his jab and follows it off with the occasional flurry. He’s pretty good defensively and covers himself up well. He’s got good hand speed, a decent chin and is well conditioned for the championship rounds. If he’s in top form, it’s going to be a tough night for Ekpo. The longer the bout goes though the more confident Ekpo will become.
These two match up quite well size-wise. However, there’s no contest when it comes to experience and class of opposition. Stieglitz wins those matchups hands down. Ekpo does have a puncher’s chance though, so he shouldn’t be ruled out completely. Although Stieglitz was born in Russia, Germany is his adopted homeland and he’s going to have the crowd firmly in his corner. The pros certainly outweigh the cons for the champion and this is why he should retain his belt with a late stoppage or a relatively easy unanimous decision.
