Vitali Klitschko to take on Sosnowski in surprise announcement

WBC champion Vitalik Klitschko

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko 39-2 (37) has seen his expected defence against Nikolai Valuev fall through and instead will take on European champion Albert Sosnowski 45-2-1 (27). The fight will take place at Schalke 04 football teams arena which holds over 60,000 people. The date will be May 29th.

According to Klitchko’s manager Bernd Bonte, Valuev’s co-promoter Don King turned down Klitschko’s final offer of a $2.5 million dollar purse. This prompted a call to Sosnowski’s management team with the offer of a fight. Sosnowski has agreed to take the fight for a purse of $1 million dollars and has cancelled his European title defence against Audley Harrison, scheduled for 9th April.

European champion Albert Sosnowski

Sosnowki has improved dramatically in the last 12 months but it is difficult to see any possible way that he can defeat Vitali. Although Sosnowski is in tremendous shape, he is not particularly quick or powerful.

Both fighters spoke today and these were the recorded quotes:
Vitali Klitschko: : “I am very happy to have my next fight in Germany again. The arena in Gelsenkirchen and the fans there are very special. I experienced that last year when my brother Wladimir had his fight there in front of 61,000 spectators. The atmosphere was simply electrifying. I saw Sosnowski’s fights on DVD and must admit that he is a very experienced, quick and tough opponent. He will do anything to get my belt but I promise that this is not going to happen.”

Albert Sosnowski: “A dream comes true. Because of the Harrison fight I am already in training and suddenly comes the once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight Klitschko. I want to thank him and his team to give me that opportunity which I will definitely take. For me, Klitschko is already over the hill. I know that I am the underdog for everybody, but I tell you, Klitschko will regret that he picked me. Many Polish and Germans with Polish roots live in the Gelsenkirchen area and I hope that they will support me. I will be the first Polish Heavyweight Champion of the World!“

There has been no official word yet from the USA or the UK over who will televise this bout but it will be shown live in Germany on the RTL channel.

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