IN a bout certain to be huge in Germany, former WBO super-middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz takes on countryman, and former middleweight king, Felix Sturm as the veteran rises in weight.

The showdown โ€“ set for 12 rounds โ€“ will take place on November 8 at the Porsche-Arena in Stuttgart.

Although the fight will carry huge significance in their homeland, the meeting will be viewed as a โ€˜crossroadsโ€™ bout on the world scene. Sturm, 35, is looking to rebuild after losing his IBF 160lb title to Sam Soliman in May, while his 33-year-old rival continues to chase a shot at his old WBO belt that he lost in March.

โ€œRobert Stieglitz is a strong fighter,โ€ said Sturm. โ€œHe especially proved that in his fights against Arthur Abraham. Both of us have the experience of fighting a lot of exciting world title battles. Believe me, this is one heck of a fight for the fans in Germany โ€“ and around the world. Iโ€™ll have a lot of surprises for Robert! I have great respect for him and this fight means a lot for both of us. But I promise Iโ€™ll do everything in my power to leave the ring victorious.โ€

Stieglitz believes the rise in weight might be too much for Sturm.

โ€œHello Mr Sturm,โ€ Stieglitz said. โ€œEven if you can add a couple of pounds, you had better wrap up well.โ€