Klitschko wary of Rahman

Wladimir ready for one-punch fighter

Last updated: 8th December 2008

Klitschko wary of Rahman

Klitschko in training

I know he is extremely strong and quick. I have to be ready to take punishment and to dish it out. I am very fit and well prepared.

Hasim Rahman
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IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko insists he will not underestimate Hasim Rahman on Saturday night.

The 36-year-old Rahman has arrived in Germany in place of injured Russian Alexander Povetkin to take on the man widely regarded as the world's top heavyweight.

Rahman has upset the odds before though in knocking out Lennox Lewis to claim the WBC, IBF and IBO titles back in 2001.

Despite then being knocked out in the fourth round of the rematch, Klitschko is wary of the power his American opponent holds in that big right hand.

"I am not going to underestimate him in any way. I am going to do my job and I will try to do it quickly," Klitschko said.

"This is his last chance to be a world champion again, so I expect a real challenge.

"If he comes such a long way to fight the best man, he wants to win naturally."

Klitschko has demonstrated tremendous power himself though in knocking out 45 of his 54 opponents to date, but Rahman says he is ready.

"I know he is extremely strong and quick. I have to be ready to take punishment and to dish it out. I am very fit and well prepared," Rahman said.

"I am looking forward to putting on a good performance. It will be a great fight."