Vitali Klitschko Will Fight Kevin Johnson

First Klitschko World Championship in Switzerland

Vitali Klitschko vs. Kevin Johnson in Bern

After his tremendous victory against Chris Arreola, WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko steps into the ring again in 2009. His opponent will be Kevin Johnson at PostFinance-Arena in Bern on December 12th.

Bernd Bönte, Managing Director of the Klitschko Management Group: “Vitali`s performance against Chris Arreola in Los Angeles showed his extra class. With Kevin Johnson, Vitali will again face a very strong contender. Johnson is undefeated, self-conscious and knows what a great chance this will be for him. The PostFinance-Arena in Bern is a fantastic venue and the right arena for a huge title fight.”

Vitali Klitschko will defend his title for the 3rd time in 2009. In March, “Dr. Ironfist” won against Juan Carlos Gomez by technical KO in round 9 and last month he knocked out Chris Arreola in round 10 in Los Angeles.

Vitali Klitschko: “I am in an excellent shape and had a perfect preparation and fight in Los Angeles. I can hardly wait to step into the ring again. Kevin Johnson is very dangerous. He already had 23 fights as a pro and is undefeated. He is technically much better than my last opponent Arreola. I know I can`t underestimate Johnson but I have no doubt to keep the WBC belt.”

38 year-old Klitschko has a professional record of 38 wins (37 KOs) and 2 defeats due to injury.

30 year-old Kevin Johnson, alias “The Kingpin”, measures 1,91 m (6.3 ft) and lives in Atlanta, USA. In May, Johnson won against Devin Vargas, who has been undefeated until then, as well as against former WBA World Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon. Johnson is ranked as number 6 of both WBC and WBA and has a professional record of 22 wins (9 KOs) and 1 draw.

Kevin Johnson: “I’ve been working hard for this chance and I will definitely take it. On December 12th, there will finally be an American heavyweight champion again. I am sorry for ruining Klitschko’s Christmas holidays.”

In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, the fight at PostFinance-Arena in Bern will be broadcast live and exclusively on RTL.

Ticket sale will start on October 24. Further information will follow in due course.