German fighter Robert Stieglitz (??) begins his second reign as the WBO Super Middleweight champion as he takes on little known Japanese challenger Yuzo Kiyota (?-?). This might appear a big step down for Stieglitz considering he stopped Arthur Abraham last time out but the bout serves as a genuinely intriguing contest with Kiyota fighting for his place in history.
We'll start by looking at the well known Stieglitz, a man who has been fighting at the world level for the past 6 or so years yet has been continually derided as one of the sports weaker champions-a harsh tag for a fighter who has achieved more than most.
Stieglitz first fought in a world title bout just over 6 years ago losing by stoppage to Alejandro Berrio in 3 rounds. That bout, for the IBF title was a major set back for Stieglitz though one he used to build from before suffering another set back a year later to Librado Andrade. Like the loss to Berrerio the defeat at the hands of Andrade left many wondering if Stieglitz had the chin and mental fortitude to really compete at the world level.
Since those losses Stieglitz has developed as a fighter, he has toughened up and become a much better fighter. He has shown a fantastic engine, solid skills and the heart of a lion although his competition has been less than spectacular.
The graduation for Stieglitz as a fighter occurred in 2009 when he dethroned Karoly Balzsay of the WBO title. He would later defend this belt 6 times against a variety of contenders before suffering a disputed decision loss to Arthur Abraham in 2012. Against Abraham in their first bout Stieglitz refused to be intimidated by Abraham's much vaunted punching power and instead forced the action himself, his shots failed to hurt the then challenger but proved he had developed as a fighter.
Less than 6 months after the loss to Abraham, Stieglitz faced him again and this time came out like a man possessed. He jumped on the then defending champion from the opening bell and never relented as he damaged Abraham's face to the point of the Dr needing to stop the fight.
Having answered questions about his chin and heart Stieglitz has only now been receiving the plaudits that he deserves though is still viewed as a "B" class champion.
Now on to his challenger the unheralded Japanese fighter Yuzo Kiyota.
Kiyota is all but unknown in the west though footage of the powerfully built fighter is available on youtube (though of course it's not easy to find). In the east however he is much more well known having been the OPBF Super Middleweight champion since 2008 and having been very fun to watch with his power and style.
Although Kiyota was stopped just a few fights back by Jameson Bostic in just a round he has developed significantly since that bout, much like Stieglitz has developed since his losses. At his worst Kiyota was a reckless powerhouse who was free swinging and hoping to take his opponents head off before he was tagged himself. Since the loss to Bostic however he has been using his thunderous jab more often and fighting in a more restrained manner.
As the major under-dog here Kiyota goes in with little expectation though a victory would see him cement his name in the record books. Not only would Kiyota become the first WBO champion from Japan but he would also become Japan's first ever Super Middleweight world champion.
With Kiyota's power, especially with his body shots it's hard to totally discount him, though in all honesty the experience, especially at this level, that Stieglitz has should see him through to a victory.
Prediction-Stieglitz UD12
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