MAGDEBURG (Germany), June 15: German Sven Ottke outpointed Briton David Starie to retain his World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-middleweight titles on Saturday.

The 36-year-old Ottke, now undefeated after 31 professional bouts, took a unanimous decision after 12 unspectacular rounds. He looked in control throughout the fight but his fans feared for him after he sustained a forehead injury following a clash of heads in the 10th round.

Ottke, who was comfortably leading on points by then, concentrated on avoiding his opponent in the last two rounds.

Starie fought bravely but struggled against the elusive and mobile German, whom he never really troubled.

The 29-year-old Briton conceded his fourth defeat out of 35 fights in the professional ranks.

Ottke defended for the 18th time the IBF title that he has held since 1998. It was the first defence of his WBA belt, which he captured by defeating American Byron Mitchell in March.—Reuters