Vitali to take on Arreola

Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title against American Chris Arreola at Staples Center in Los Angeles on September 26.

American lands WBC title shot

Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title against American Chris Arreola at Staples Center in Los Angeles on September 26. The Ukrainian had been lining up a fight with David Haye this autumn but the Briton backed out claiming Klitschko's demands were too great. It left the way clear for the unbeaten Arreola to accept the challenge in his hometown of LA, where he can expect the support of the local Mexican-American fan-base. Arreola has earned his position as top contender with 24 of his 27 wins coming by stoppage, most latterly knocking out former contender Jameel McCline in four rounds. "I just think it could go through the roof," said promoter Dan Goossen, formally announcing the fight. "I think we're going to pack Staples." Klitschko is no stranger to the venue after fighting there twice in the past, while he has also lived for periods in Los Angeles. He came close to upsetting Lennox Lewis in 2003 before the fight was stopped on cuts but returned a year later to win the title vacated by a newly-retired Lewis when stopping Corrie Sanders in the eighth round. The champion did not not fight again for almost four years after a solitary defence, but regained the title in October with a lop-sided victory over Sam Peter, before dominating Juan Carlos Gomez in March.