Sturm vs Soliman rematch set for May 31 in Germany

Felix Sturm will defend the IBF middleweight title on May 31 against Sam Soliman in a rematch of their February 2013 fight, which Soliman won in Germany, before the fight was changed to a no-contest after Soliman failed a post-fight drug test.

Sturm (39-3-2, 18 KO) rebounded with early stoppage wins over Predrag Radosevic, which was predictable, and then Darren Barker, which was not. Sturm toppled Barker in two rounds on December 7 to win the IBF belt, physically dominating him before Barker's corner stopped the bout due to a re-injured hip, which retired the British fighter from the sport.

Soliman (43-11, 18 KO) is 0-2 in prior world title fights, both losses at 168 pounds to fellow Australian Anthony Mundine. After a nine month suspension for the failed drug test, Soliman returned in December to stop Les Sherrington in nine rounds.

The May 31 bout will be held at König Palast in Krefeld, Germany.