HALLE, Germany — Felix Sturm jabbed his way to a lopsided decision over American Randy Griffin today and earned a fourth successful defense of his WBA middleweight title.

The German, whose victory comes 8 1/2 months after the two fought to a draw in October, repeatedly used his left jab from the opening seconds and won 116-113, 116-112 and 118-110.

Sturm took control in the fifth round, following his lefts with immediate right-hand blows.

"I had to make this rematch with Griffin," said Sturm, who improved to 30-2 with one draw and 13 knockouts.

He repeatedly scored with combinations in the 11th, ending the round by thrusting his arms upward in victory as he walked back to his corner after the bell.

Griffin lost for the second time in 29 fights — including three draws — but disagreed with the unanimous verdict.

"I have to live with this decision," Griffin said. "I thought this fight was more a draw than the other one."

By the eighth round, however, his corner was telling him he needed a knockout to win.

Sturm has won the WBA title twice. He also lost the WBO title in 2004 to Oscar De La Hoya on a disputed decision.