Vitali Klitschko’s management has confirmed that the 39-year-old Ukrainian will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Shannon Briggs of the United States in October.

The fight will take place in Hamburg on October 16 and Klitschko says Briggs has “great experience, has even fought significantly more professional fights than I have and is one of the hardest punchers” in the heavyweight division.

“Shannon Briggs is an unbelievable big mouth but also definitely a tough challenger,” Klitschko added. “He is one of the toughest punchers in the business”.

“I am also delighted to box in Hamburg again. This is where it all started.”

Klitschko is 40-2, while the 38-year-old Briggs is 51-5 with one draw.

Vitali Klitschko v Shannon Briggs Fight Odds: Vitali Klitschko 1/50, Shannon Briggs 12/1, Draw 50/1

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