NEUBRANDENBURG, Germany – Australia's Daniel Geale took the IBF middleweight title from Germany's Sebastian Sylvester, winning a split decision Saturday night.
The 30-year-old Gaela received winning scores of 118-110 from judge Steve Epstein and 118-112 from Marcus McDonell, while Berit Andreasen scored it 118-110 in favor of the defending champion.
"I feel on top of the world," Geale. "I knew I had to work hard."
Geale was the more active fighter throughout, with Sylvester adopting a defensive approach and using his longer reach to good effect. However, the 30-year-old German found it hard to hit the elusive Australian.
The fighters hit the canvas together after a tangle in the 10th round.
Geale improved to 25-1. Sylvester dropped to 34-4-1.
"He did more and also hit more. I have to give him my respect. He is the new world champion now," Sylvester said. "The breaks weren't too short. Maybe the preparation was."
