July clash for Klitschko

Ukrainian heavyweight champion to face American

Last updated: 8th April 2008

July clash for Klitschko

Klitschko: Title date

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Double world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will put his WBO belt on the line when he faces Tony Thompson in Hamburg on July 12.

The Ukrainian added the strap to his IBF title when he beat Russian Sultan Ibragimov in a thoroughly forgettable bout last February in Madison Square Garden, New York.

Thompson will provide his next test as the mandatory WBO challenger, with the 36-year-old American having a record of 31-1 with 19 wins by way of knockout.

The IBF board have yet to clear the fight as their official challenger is Russian Alexander Povetkin, although they likely to give the all-clear with Klitschko promising to take on Povetkin later in the year.

The 28-year-old is the 2004 Olympic heavyweight champion and is so far unbeaten in his professional career with 15 wins, 11 by stoppage.