BERLIN, (Reuters) – WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will go up against American Kevin Johnson in Berne, Switzerland on Dec. 12 in what will be his third title defence this year, he said yesterday.
Ukrainian Klitschko, whose brother Vladimir holds the IBF, IBO and WBO crowns, retained his WBC title with a 10th round TKO over previously undefeated challenger Cristobal Arreola last month.
That victory was Klitschko’s third since returning to the ring in 2008 following an injury-induced retirement in 2005.
“I feel fully fit. I cannot wait to get back into the ring,” Klitschko said in a statement.
“Kevin Johnson is dangerous. He has already fought 23 times, is undefeated and is technically superior to Arreola.”
Klitschko, 38, has a record of 38-2, while undefeated Johnson, 30, has 22 wins and a draw.