]Wladimir Klitschko's next fight has been postponed after "Dr. Steelhammer" suffered an injury during training. The current world heavyweight champion is now looking to return to action on November 15th
Wladimir Klitschko's next fight is a mandatory title defense against Bulgarian contender and former European champion Kubrat Pulev, wherein he will be defending five of his belts: the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO, and The Ring Magazine titles.
However, "Dr. Steelhammer" suffered a torn bicep during a sparring session on Friday, and was forced to pull out of the September 6th bout. Dan Rafael of ESPN.com reported the news about Wladimir Klitschko's next fight through an exclusive interview with the fighter's manager Bernd Boente.
"He had problems on Friday and he first thought it's a minor thing, but he went to the hospital near the camp [in Austria] and there they detected this torn muscle," Boente said. "He was in top shape and he had perfect sparring partners. He did a long preparation and is sorry to have to postpone the fight."
Wladimir Klitschko himself released a statement about the postponement of his fight, mainly expressing his utter disappointment after sustaining an injury with only a week left.
"I am very disappointed that the fight cannot take place as planned," Klitschko said. "I am in absolute top form and had a great training camp. Of course, I'm sorry for the fans, but also for my opponent Kubrat Pulev, who was certainly training as intensely as I do."
Klitschko currently holds an impressive record of 62-3, with 52 of those victories coming by knockout. His next title defense would be his 17th overall, standing behind other heavyweight greats such as Joe Louis with 25 title defenses, and Larry Holmes with 20.
"Dr. Steelhammer's" doctors have advised him to take a week of training, and the Klitschko camp is looking at November 15th as their next fight date.
"We hope to reschedule the bout in the same arena in mid-November, probably Nov. 15," Boente confirmed. "But that is something we have to discuss with the arena and RTL. We also have to talk to the IBF because this fight is a mandatory."
