By Alexander Pavlov

German boxer Sebastian Zbik (30-2, 10KOs) hadno excuses for Friday's stoppage loss to WBA middleweight king Felix Sturm (37-2-2, 16KOs) in Cologne, Germany. Zbik started well in the first two rounds, but he faded as the rounds continued. After taking a lot of punishment in the eight and ninth rounds, the entire team decided to stop the fight before the start of the tenth.

"I admit defeat, and I have nothing more to add. After the sixth round, my coach asked me if I was willing to continue. During the [training camp I was] sparring with three very strong partners. What happened to my strength during the fight....its hard to say. My legs were very tired. Felix has a very strong jab and we tried to [throw him off his game] in the first round, but I completely failed to do so. The coach and the doctor were concerned about the state of my health. I had to admit that I was jeopardizing my health [by continuing any further]. The decision to stop the fighting was made by the entire team," Zbik said.

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru