BOXING

• Sylvester claims vacant IBF middleweight belt

  
  

  Neubrandenburg, Germany (Sports Network) - Sebastian Sylvester won the vacant IBF middleweight title after a split decision over Giovanni Lorenzo at the Jahnsportforum.

  Sylvester (32-3, 15 KOs) was declared the winner on two cards -- 116-112 and 115-113 -- but was behind, 116-111, on the third. Lorenzo (27-2, 19 KOs) was the top-ranked fighter in the IBF, while Sylvester was ranked second.

  The belt was vacated by Arthur Abraham, who moved up in weight class.

  09/19 20:49:12 ET