By Ruslan Chikov

WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm (34-2-1, 14KOs) will aim for an early knockout when he defends his title against Ronald Hearns (26-1, 20KOs) on February 19 at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. Hearns is the son of legendary fighter Thomas Hearns. Sturm doesn't see any reason to allow the fight with Hearns to reach the judges. He wants to start the pressure in the first round and bend Hearns' will early.

"I'm going to come forward. I'll going to take the lead early and place a lot of pressure on him. A knockout is always the safest and most spectacular form of victory. I think we will see an early victory," Sturm said.