IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will defend against undefeated Franciso Pianeta on May 4th in Manheim, Germany according to Dan Rafael of espn.com
The bout will be televised in the United States by EPIX
“I have a lot of respect for Francesco Pianeta. He is young, a southpaw and has an immense fighting spirit,” Klitschko said. “He will do anything to reach his goal. I am warned and will prepare myself very intensively.”
“I was in Wladimir’s camp as a sparring partner last year. I saw his weaknesses and will use them for me,” Pianeta said. “I know many experts see me as the underdog but I like this role and will shock the boxing world when I knock out Klitschko.”
“Mannheim is a special place,” Klitschko said. “I started my second career there with my victory against Chris Byrd in 2006. The atmosphere has always been great.”
