• Boxing

Wladimir Klitschko to defend against Eddie Chambers

ESPN staff
January 25, 2010
Wladimir Klitschko was last in the ring in June 2009 © Getty Images
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Wladimir Klitschko will defend his world heavyweight titles against Eddie Chambers on March 20 in Dusseldorf. The bout against the 27-year-old American will be Klitschko's first defence of his WBO, IBF and IBO belts since his victory over Ruslan Chagaev in June.

Chambers, who holds a 35-1 record, became the mandatory challenger for the titles after he won an eliminator series in July. His Ukranian opponent believes that the Pittsburgh native is the most talented American heavyweight he could fight at this time.

"Chambers is clearly the best heavyweight boxer in the United States and is for good reason ranked top," Klitschko said. "The fight will take place in a gigantic stadium [the 51,000-seater Espirit Arena] and I am already looking forward to it."

For his part, Chambers insisted he will not be there to merely make up the numbers - going so far as to promise a victory. "Klitschko may be the favourite but I know what I am capable of and I will take a belt collection back home," he said.

Britain's WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, who faces John Ruiz in April's mandatory defence, has made no secret of his desire to fight Klitschko and unify the division.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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