V. Klitschko to defend against Charr on Sept. 8

Vitali Klitschko will pursue his 13th straight victory in defense of his WBC heavyweight title against unbeaten Manuel Charr of Germany on Sept. 8 at Olympisky Sport Hall in Moscow, Klitschko's promotional company, K2 Promotions, announced on Monday.

Klitschko, who will turn 41 on July 19, is coming off a unanimous decision over Dereck Chisora in March that ran his record to 44-2 with 40 knockouts. Klitschko's last loss was more than nine years ago by disputed sixth-round technical stoppage (on cuts) to Lennox Lewis in June of 2003.

"Vitali will see in my eyes that he can not win the fight," said Charr, 27, who was born in Beirut and has a record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts. "Many believe that I am coming to lose, but I am coming to win. I will shock Vitali and the boxing world and get his title."

More than 30,000 spectators are expected to fill the arena for the event, which marks the 17th time Klitschko will fight in Moscow.

"Charr is young, hungry and undefeated. He is afraid of nobody and always marching forward. I know that he will be extremely motivated against me and that is why I will not make the mistake of underestimating him," said the 6-foot-7 Klitschko of the nearly 6-foot-4 Charr.

"I will give an answer to all of his trash-talking inside of the ring on Sept. 8. It is great that the fight is taking place in Moscow, one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. I am sure that it will be an unforgettable show."

THE RING's No. 1-rated heavyweight, Klitschko has dominated the division along with his 36-year-old brother, RING champion Wladimir Klitschko (57-3, 50 KOs), who will be after his 16 straight win against Tony Thompson this coming Saturday in Switzerland.

"The Klitschko brothers are absolute superstars in Russia," said Bernd Bonte, managing director of K2 Promotions. "For Vitali...it is very special to stage a world championship in Moscow."

After the fight, Vitali Klitschko plans to return to his political duties. As leader of the UDAR Party, Klitschko will take part in the Ukrainian Parliament elections on Oct. 28.

"I would like to continue to fight," said Klitschko, regarding thoughts on retirement. "I will make my decision after the election."