Berlin – Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Germany's Manuel Charr before turning his attention to Ukraine's parliamentary elections.
Klitschko's management group announced Monday that the 40-year-old Ukrainian will fight Charr at the SC Olimpiyski sports arena in Moscow on September 8, and then lead the UDAR party in his country's elections on October 28.
Klitschko said he wants to continue fighting: “I will make my decision after the election.”
Charr, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, is unbeaten with a record of 21 wins and 11 KOs.
“Vitali will see in my eyes that he cannot win the fight,” the 27-year-old said. “Many think I will come to lose but I am coming to win. I will shock Vitali and the boxing world,”
Klitschko has a record of 40 KOs from 44 wins against two defeats.
He last fought in February, defeating Dereck Chisora in Munich, where later Chisora brawled with fellow Briton David Haye at the post-fight press conference.
“Charr is young, hungry and undefeated. He is afraid of nobody, always marching forward,” Klitschko said.
“I know that he will be extremely motivated against me and that is why I will definitely not make the mistake to underestimate him. I will give my answer to all his trash talking inside the ring.”
Klitschko's younger brother, Wladimir, defends his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against American challenger Tony Thompson in Berne, Switzerland on Saturday. – Sapa-AP