Daniel Geale of Australia took the IBF middleweight title from Germany's Sebastian Sylvester, winning a split decision Saturday night.
Judges Steve Epstein and Marcus McDonell gave the bout to Geale with scores of 118-110 and 118-112, while Berit Andreasen scored it 118-110 in favor of the defending champion.
''I feel on top of the world,'' Geale said. ''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.''
