BoxRec

Middleweights: Felix Sturm vs William Joppy

I think this one would have been fun.
Sturm with the height advantage, slight reach advantage and better jab, Joppy would have the hand-speed advantage, the harder hitter and obviously more willing to take tough fights.
Tough call imo, probably comes down to what you prefer on scoring.
Unlike De La Hoya, Joppy would actually train for the fight and show up in shape. This is key, if you're evaluating Felix based on his performance against a smaller, visibly out of shape welterweight............that's a lot different than an in shape, true middleweight with the hand speed advantage.
I see Joppy busier by a good margin but beating on Sturms gloves quite a bit.
Meanwhile, Felix spends too much time behind that high guard but lands some sweet jabs on Joppy.
If either fighter gets hurt it would be Sturm but he's a disciplined fighter who would get through the tough moment on his feet.
No knockdowns in the fight.

I say William edges a close decision.

I thought the same of taking Joppy by decision.

Sturm by SD in Germany. I would go with Joppy by UD 7-5 anywhere else

hmmm....good pairing. my thought is joppy close on neutral ground. he took some poundings vs elite guys but was very handy vs your more run of the mill contenders and abc titlists. think he would work harder and edge it largely on that. sturm would have his usual spots to win rounds and land some sharp shots, but not enough