Ukraine's WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali 'Dr. Ironfist' Klitschko reaffirmed his willingness to face either David Haye of Britain or Russia's Nikolai Valuev after defending his title in Sunday's fight against Albert 'Dragon' Sosnowski of Poland.
"I have enough gunpowder left. Now it is either Haye or the Russian Giant [Valuev]," he was quoted as saying by Germany's RTL channel.
Sunday's event at the Veltins Arena was the fourth defense of the WBC title Klitschko won in October 2008.
38-year-old Klitschko (40-2, 38 KOs), who had a significant size advantage over his 31-year-old opponent, won by a technical knock-out in the 10th round.
"I am very happy about defending my title. Applause for Albert Sosnowski, he was very good. He fought very well, but I was in top form. I noticed Sosnowski's mistakes, and took advantage of them. Experience plays a very important role," Klitschko said after the fight.
The fight was called off as Sosnowski (45-3-1, 27 KOs), who is 13 cm shorter and 23 lbs lighter than his opponent, crumpled to the canvas after a thunderous overhand right hand.
"I'm a bit sad. I showed a good fight, but it was not enough. Vitali is a great boxer," Sosnowski said.
Klitschko, who announced in February his plans to abandon professional boxing this year, repeatedly said he hopes to fight Haye before his retirement.
WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye (24-1, 22 KOs) surprised boxing fans by repeatedly insulting the Klitschko brothers over the last three years. Last year, Haye scheduled a bout against Wladimir Klitschko, aged 34, and later against Vitali but for various reasons withdrew from both fights.
Talks on the WBC heavyweight title bout between Klitschko and former two-time WBA heavyweight champion Valuev (50-2, 34 KOs) have stalled after a promoter for the 'Russian Giant' demanded a sum of $4 million for the fight.
MOSCOW, May 30 (RIA Novosti)
