WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will defend his title in Bern on Dec. 12 against American Kevin Johnson of the United States.
The 38-year-old Klitschko (38-2, 7 knockouts) defeated Cris Arreola last month in Los Angeles, winning after Arreola’s corner wouldn’t let him out for the 11th round.
Johnson is 22-0-1 with nine knockouts. In May, the 30-year-old beat Devin Vargas in a matchup of undefeated fighters.
“I feel top fit, had super preparations in Los Angeles and really enjoyed the fight against Arreola,” said Klitschko, whose win cemented his place alongside younger brother Wladimir at the top of the heavyweight ranks.
“I can barely wait to climb into the ring again,” the Ukrainian fighter added. “Kevin Johnson is very dangerous. He has already had 23 professional fights, is undefeated and has significantly better technique than my last opponent.”
The fight is Klitschko’s third title defense of the year, having also beaten Juan Carlos Gomez in a ninth-round technical knockout in May. It is his first fight in Switzerland and will take place in Bern’s PostFinance-Arena.
Johnson is ranked No. 6 by the WBA and WBC boxing commissions.
“I’ve worked long and hard for this chance and I’m going to take it,” he said.
Johnson said there will “finally be an American heavyweight champion” after he wins. Wladimir Klitschko owns the IBF and WBO titles, while Nikolay Valuev of Russia is the WBA champion.
“I’m sorry for Klitschko that I have to spoil his Christmas,” Johnson said.
Klitschko is undefeated since losing by technical knockout to Lennox Lewis in 2003. The fight was stopped after six rounds because of a cut over Klitschko’s left eye. The Ukrainian was leading on all three judges’ cards when the bout was halted.
The champion said he wouldn’t be taking the fight against Johnson lightly.
“I will not underestimate Johnson and as always will prepare myself meticulously for my opponent,” Klitschko said.
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