Wladimir Klitschko is to defend his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against U.S. challenger Tony Thompson in Berne, Switzerland on July 7.
The bout will be a rematch against a 40-year-old fighter whom Klitschko knocked out in Hamburg, Germany, in 2008 in "one of the toughest challenges in my career," he said on his website.
"As a southpaw Thompson is a difficult opponent," Klitschko said. "He has a very good technique. Through his height it is a fight at eye level and I know that he has gained a lot of confidence through his winning streak."
Thompson, who has gone five fights unbeaten since they last met, was quoted on the website as saying he is in better shape this time around.
"Last time I had an injury which I suffered in training.
"In Berne I will complete what I missed out four years ago. I will knock Klitschko out and take all his belts to the U.S.”
Klitschko has a record of 57 wins, 50 by knockout, and 3 losses. The mandatory defense is his first since flooring Jean-Marc Mormeck in the fourth round in Dusseldorf, Germany on March 4.
Thompson has 24 KOs out of his 36 wins, losing twice. He last beat compatriot Maurice Harris in May last year on a technical knockout.
