Klitschko defends heavyweight belts against Pulev

HAMBURG, Germany — Wladimir Klitschko will defend his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight belts against the undefeated Kubrat Pulev of Bulgaria in Hamburg on September 9.

Klitschko said in a statement released by his management on Thursday that his opponent "has an impressive record as both an amateur and professional. Pulev has a sophisticated technique and I certainly won't underestimate him."

The 33-year-old Pulev has 11 knockouts from 20 wins. He became the IBF international champion in 2011 and European heavyweight champion in 2012.

The 38-year-old Klitschko has been a heavyweight champion since 2006. The Ukrainian 1996 Olympic champion has an impressive record of 52 knockouts in 62 wins, with the last of his three loses coming in April 2004.

But Pulev says "I'm ready to replace Wladimir Klitschko as champion.”