In a highly anticipated showdown that captivated German television viewers, entertainment powerhouse Stefan Raab stepped back into the spotlight for what may be his final public appearance, only to face defeat at the hands of boxing legend Regina Halmich for the third time in their unusual rivalry.
The September 15 event marked the latest chapter in a storied contest between the unlikely opponents, with Halmich once again demonstrating why she earned her reputation as one of the most successful female boxers in history before her 2007 retirement.
This third encounter came after their previous matches in 2001 and 2007, both of which ended with Raab on the losing end. Their initial 2001 promotional bout for Raab’s “TV Total” show became infamous when Halmich broke the TV host’s nose, though he managed to go the distance despite the referee’s multiple attempts to end the match.
Halmich, whose professional boxing record stands at an impressive 54 wins (16 by knockout), 1 loss, and 1 draw, was blunt about her expectations before the match.
“I will show that I can still give him a good beating… And it will hurt again. I promise!” Halmich stated. “Anyone who underestimates me has already lost. Raab will deliver a mega show, according to all the rules of the art. And I will really heat him up.”
Her confidence was well-founded. Throughout her decorated career, Halmich dominated multiple weight divisions, holding world champion titles in the Junior Flyweight, Flyweight, and Super Flyweight divisions of the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF). She successfully defended her Flyweight title against numerous qualified opponents, including Delia Gonzalez, Yvonne Caples, and Johanna Peña-Álvarez, with her only non-victory being a draw against Elena Reid (whom she later defeated in a rematch).
The match, billed as the “event of the decade,” was broadcast live on RTL, marking what could be Raab’s final television appearance. Markus Leschek, an executive involved with the event, called it “a spectacular moment in television history.”
Raab, one of Germany’s most influential media figures, had stepped away from on-camera work in 2015 to focus on production behind the scenes. He built his reputation as creator, host, and producer of shows including “TV Total” and “Schlag den Raab” (the original version of “Beat the Stars”).
For Halmich, this third victory adds another chapter to her legacy, which began with her professional debut on March 4, 1994, in her hometown of Karlsruhe. Throughout her career, she successfully defended her title 44 times before retiring in 2007 with an almost unblemished record.
The bout demonstrated once again that even years after her retirement, Halmich’s skills in the ring remain formidable—especially against entertainers who dare to challenge a true boxing champion.
