Vitali Klitschko will have a big weight advantage over Albert Sosnowski when he defends his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday night.
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Vitali Klitschko will have a big weight advantage over Albert Sosnowski when he defends his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday night.
The 38-year-old tipped the scales at a trim 247lbs while the challenger, who stands five inches shorter than the 6ft 7in champion, weighed in at 224.
It will be Klitschko's fourth title defence since he returned to the ring following a four-year hiatus in 2008, and he is an overwhelming favourite against the London-based Pole.
"I feel in top shape," said Klitschko who has an impressive 37 knockouts from 39 fights with just two defeats.
"My knockout rate is 97 per cent, so the probability of an early victory is 97 per cent.
"I expect Albert Sosnowski to be in the best shape of his life. He said that he will give his all to get my belt, but I am well prepared and will not underestimate him.
"He will be very powerful and will always go forward. He will do anything to get my title."
Sosnowski's record of 45-2-1 looks impressive but the 31-year-old has been hand-picked by Klitschko's team, having never fought anyone close to being a world title contender.
He stopped England's Danny Williams in a non-title fight in 2008 before winning the European strap, and was due to defend it against Audley Harrison when he got the call from Klitschko.
"I had a perfect preparation and came here to write history," said the man from Brentwood. "He has passed his zenith and there are many who fight like living sand sacks."
Sosnowski is expecting around 40,000 Polish fans to attend the Veltnis Arena on Saturday night, where victory would create one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history.
