Chisora to take on Klitschko

Wladimir Klitschko, the world heavyweight champion, will defend his IBF, IBO and WBO title belts against Dereck Chisora, the little-known Briton, in Mannheim, Germany, on December 11, the Ukrainian said yesterday. The 26-year-old Chisora, who defeated Sam Sexton in September to add the Commonwealth heavyweight title to his British crown, said he was surprised by his chance to fight the younger Klitschko brother.

"I knew that my win against Sexton would lift me in the ranking but this is a surprise," the Zimbabwe-born fighter said in a statement. The 34-year-old Klitschko, whose older brother, Vitali, will defend his WBC crown against America's Shannon Briggs on Saturday, has been trying to set up a fight against David Haye, Britain's WBA world champion who holds the only belt the Klitschkos do not have. "Chisora is young, quick and a hard puncher," said Klitschko. My coach Emanuel Steward has warned me of his qualities and reminded me of the 1978 defeat of the great Muhammad Ali by the 24-year-old Leon Spinks. I will try not to give Chisora a single chance."

The Ukrainian's record stands at 55 wins and three defeats while Chisora has won all of his 14 fights, nine by knockout. * Reuters