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Wladimir denies Haye rematch, Mormeck's next

Wladimir Klitschko has accumulated 49 knockouts during his 56 victories © PA Photos

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Wladimir Klitschko has confirmed he will defend his world heavyweight titles against former cruiserweight champion Jean-Marc Mormeck in December, putting David Haye's future in the sport into further doubt.

Haye has yet to decide whether to follow through with plans to retire before his 31st birthday later this month. The Londoner has always stated he will walk away from the sport this October but, following his defeat to Wladimir in July, he is still to make up his mind if he will carry out that intention.

Many believe he will carry on, though the fighter himself insists he would only postpone his retirement if he can secure a re-match with Wladimir or fight the Ukrainian's older brother, Vitali. With Wladimir now tied up, Haye is likely to pursue a showdown with 40-year-old Vitali, who holds the WBC belt.

Meanwhile, Wladimir will turn his attentions to veteran Mormeck, who lost his WBC cruiserweight title to Haye in France in 2007. Since that defeat, the Frenchman has stuttered to three unconvincing wins at heavyweight and has seen his knockout count slow dramatically - he has not stopped an opponent in five years.

Despite the obvious discrepancies in size, age (Wladimir is 34) and accomplishments, Wladimir says he will not be underestimating the 39-year-old when they meet in the ring at Dusseldorf's ESPRIT Arena on December 10.

"I know that I go into every fight as the favourite but I also know that every opponent will be prepared to be at their best against me," he said.

"Mormeck is one of the most experienced opponents I've ever faced. He has already competed in numerous world title fights, he's technically strong, has excellent boxing skills and fights extremely intelligently. To underestimate him would be fatal."

Mormeck, who will hope to avoid becoming Klitschko's 50th knockout victim, is adamant he can cause an upset. He said: "I've longed for this opportunity. I know I can take it. Unlike against David Haye, when I had him on the ground before losing, I will finish the job now. Wladimir has a glass chin that I will break. He can't take punches.

"On December 11 I'll come home to Paris with a suitcase full of championship belts."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.