The 47-year-old will conclude a 25-year career, which includes a series of world title reigns at middleweight and later super middleweight, though admits this is a bittersweet moment.

"On the one hand, I’m naturally sad but on the other, I can look back on an extraordinary career and I'm very grateful for that," Sturm (45-6-3, 20 KOs) told The Ring. "For me, July 11 is the perfect day for my boxing farewell as we're going to have a fantastic event. Lots of people have said they’ll be there; many prominent guests will be in attendance, as well as numerous people who've supported me along the way and of course, my family. The arena will be sold out. In terms of timing, everything just fits perfectly for me and I’m really looking forward to the evening."

However, while everyone inside the arena will be there to cheer Sturm, his opponent will be looking to make the most of his big opportunity. "Granit is a strong man and a formidable boxer," he said. "He’s always on the attack, looking to get in close, and of course knows this is my last fight. For him, this is the big stage to make a name for himself. I’m prepared for that. "I wanted a man who fights, who really gives it his all. Boxing someone who simply gives up after one or two rounds was out of the question for me. I want to say goodbye to fans who have supported me for decades in the way I deserve. I owe that to my fans – a strong opponent and a great fight."

The elder statesman of German boxing felt was the right time to bow out.

"I decided that it really was time to say goodbye to boxing," he said. "I'm 47 years old. I've had a great time and competed at the very highest level for an exceptionally long time.

"I have two children and a wife who's been by my side through it all for 21 years. My son is turning 17 and my daughter is also with me ... they both deserve me calling it a day now but I don't want to say goodbye secretly, I want to do it with dignity in the ring. That's why I've decided to announce my retirement well in advance.

"I actually made the decision last winter. After that, we started making plans and eventually found a suitable date."

During his career Sturm has enjoyed many big nights and can't single out one.

"My first world championship was a very special moment," he said. "The fight against Oscar De La Hoya was also an absolute highlight. Just like my fourth world title – that was also a very special fight."

"My amateur days, including the Olympic Games and the European and Junior Championships, are also part of that. Every fight has its own story, its special moment. Of course, there are unpleasant moments too but all in all, I'm very happy looking back on my entire career today."

Although he'll be stepping away from boxing as an active participant, he intends to remain involved in a different capacity, hoping to make a real difference.

"Among other things, I’ll be taking on a consultancy role for a company dedicated to boxing. I’m really looking forward to that," he shared. "They're on the right track to making German boxing great again, presenting the sport in the way it deserves.

"We have lots of brilliant young boxers in Germany, including a few lads from our team. Together, we’ll try to bring boxing right back to the forefront. I’m firmly convinced we can make boxing a huge success in Germany again."