The World Boxing Association (WBA), IBF and WBO, Heavyweight World champion the Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, will be defending his title against undefeated Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev, on Saturday, in the main fight at the O2 Arena in Hamburg, Germany, promoted by K2 Promotions and that will be televised by HBO in the United States and RTL in Germany.
This will be will be 17th defense for Klitschko, who became World champion at his 38 years and after knock out 53 of 62 of his victims. The Ukrainian has only lost three times in his career. This fight was originally scheduled for last September, but was postponed, because Klitschko suffered an injury in the arm.
Holding the world title for more than eight years, Wladimir Klitschko is the second heavyweight world champion with the longest reign, behind Joe Louis, who was heavyweight champion for more than eleven years. Statistically speaking, his 16 successful defenses in this second reign, are those most made by a heavyweight champion behind Larry Holmes, with 20 defense and Joe Louis, with 25 defenses.
This will be the first world title shot for Kubrat Pulev, who is unfedeated in 20 fights. After impressive victories by knockout, against Alexander Ustinov and Alexander Dimitrenko, Kubrat Pulve became to the mandatory challenger for IBF position, defeating Tony Thompson in August 2013. The challenger assured that he will be dangerous and will press the action, so the champion will be forced to move much in the ring.