You're reading: Volodymyr Klitschko to defend heavyweight title against Pianeta

BERLIN - Ukraine's Volodymyr Klitschko will defend his four world heavyweight title belts against former sparring partner German-Italian challenger Francesco Pianeta in Mannheim on May 4, his management said on Tuesday.

Klitschko, who holds the IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA crown had used the 28-year-old Pianeta as a sparring partner last year.

The 36-year-old Ukrainian’s record stands as 59 wins
and three defeats after his three successful title defences in 2012,
including a November victory over Poland’s Mariusz Wach.

Pianeta, who at 1.93 metres is five centimetres shorter than his opponent, is still undefeated with 28 wins and one draw.

“I have a lot of respect for Pianeta because he is
young and has a big fighting spirit,” the 36-year-old Klitschko said in a
statement.

Klitschko’s older brother, Vitali, holds the WBC crown.

“I was briefly his sparring partner last year and I
noted where his weaknesses are and how best to exploit them,” said
Pianeta. “I understand many see me as an outsider and that is fine but I
will knock Klitschko out and turn the world of boxing on its head.”