Boxing | International

Alexander Povetkin © Reuters

Povetkin to challenge Wladimir



Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend his titles against former Olympic champion Alexander Povetkin of Russia in Frankfurt on September 11.

The Ukrainian, who holds the IBF, WBO and IBO belts, has been interested in a unifying fight with Britain's David Haye, who holds the WBA belt.

However, that fight did not materialise, leaving the 34-year-old with a mandatory fight against Povetkin at the home of German first-division football team Eintracht Frankfurt , which has room for 54 000 spectators.

"The Frankfurt Arena is a magnificent stadium. I am happy that we were able to organise this contest," Klitschko's manager Bernd Bonte said on Thursday.

"Wladimir is thrilled at the idea of fighting in this stadium and in front of a terrifically supportive crowd."

Klitschko has had a good relationship with the German fans since moving to Hamburg to turn professional. He won his first major title in Cologne in 2000.

In March this year, 50 000 spectators turned out in Dusseldorf to watch Klitschko beat American Eddie Chambers, registering the 48th knockout in his 54-fight career. He has three defeats on his record, the last in 2004.

The 30-year-old Povetkin won the super-heavyweight gold medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and is unbeaten in 19 fights as a professional, with 14 of those not going the distance.

Klitschko's younger brother Vitali holds the WBC heavyweight belt.



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