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IBF/IBO/WBO and WBA heavyweight super champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend his titles on September 6 against the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev. The fight against the official IBF mandatory challenger will be taking place at the O2 World in Hamburg, Germany.
Kubrat “The Cobra“ Pulev, from Sofia, is 33 years old and 1.94m tall. The current No.1 in the IBF rankings has an outstanding record: 20 wins, 11 by KO and no losses. Since 2011, Pulev has been the IBF International Champion and became European Heavyweight Champion in 2012.
Last year, Pulev clearly defeated the experienced American and former world championship contender Tony Thompson on points. With this success in his pocket, the IBF announced him as the official mandatory of the heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. Therefore, the Bulgarian laid down his European championship title. Pulev has been an outstanding amateur already achieving the European championship.
Pulev: “I will get the titles. I am ready to replace Wladimir Klitschko as the world champion. This fight is the highlight of my career. I will show the fans worldwide that Klitschko is no invincible machine and fulfill my dream. I have worked hard for this chance.“
For years Wladimir Klitschko has been the undisputed No 1 in the heavyweight division. Klitschko won the Gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. In his last fight he defeated WBO mandatory – Alex Leapai, by KO in April, 2014.
The clash with Pulev will be Klitschko’s 26th Heavyweight World Championship fight. His professional record is currently 62 wins, with 53 KOs and only three defeats. Wladimir Klitschko has been world champion since 2006 and is therefore second to the legendary Joe Louis, the longest lasting champion in the history of heavyweight boxing.
Wladimir Klitschko: “Kubrat Pulev has an impressive record as an amateur as well as professional. He has very good skills and I will definitely not underestimate him. I am looking forward to boxing in Hamburg. Everybody knows I have a special relationship to this city and the atmosphere in the O2 World has always been unbelievable.”
Bernd Bönte, CEO of the Klitschko Management Group (KMG): “We are very happy to be able to organize the fifth boxing event in Hamburg. The KMG is seated in Hamburg and our cooperation with the O2 team has always been wonderful. The audience can expect a first class event in a fantastic arena.“
Tickets for the Heavyweight Championship of the World at O2 World Hamburg are available from the 25th June 2014, at www.eventim.de
