Pole handed Klitschko shot

Pole lands world title fight, so cancels European showdown with Harrison

Last updated: 9th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pole handed Klitschko shot

Sosnowski: World title chance

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Audley Harrison's latest title dream has been wiped out after European champion Albert Sosnowski pulled out of their fight when being handed a shot at Vitali Klitschko's world title.

British-based Polish fighter Sosnowski was due to take on Harrison in London in April to defend his European Boxing Union heavyweight championship.

However, that fight has now been scrapped after the 31-year-old was given the chance to fight for Klitschko's WBC world heavyweight title in May.

The two men will battle on May 29 in Schalke's football stadium in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, in Klitschko's latest defence of his crown.

"He is experienced, he is fast and he is a tough boxer who will try everything to take my belt. But I will not let it happen," Klitschko said in a statement. "I promise all fans an unforgettable evening."

Too old

Sosnowski says that 38-year-old Klitschko is past his best, and is delighted to be given the chance to fight for a world title.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "Because of the Harrison fight I am already in training and suddenly here comes the once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight Klitschko.

"I want to thank him and his team for giving me that opportunity which I will definitely take.

"For me, Klitschko is already over the hill. I know that I am the underdog for everybody, but I tell you, Klitschko will regret that he picked me.

"Many Polish and Germans with Polish roots live in the Gelsenkirchen area and I hope that they will support me. I will be the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world."

Record

Sosnowski, who has 45 wins, two defeats and a draw on his professional record, will have broken Harrison's latest hopes of climbing to the top of the heavyweight ranks.

After saving his career by winning Prizefighter, Harrison believed claiming Sosnowski's European title would help him secure a world title showdown with either Klitschko.

Vitali's brother Wladimir defend his WBO,IBF and IBO world heavyweight titles against Eddie Chambers on March 20.