Wladimir Klitschko to face Kubrat Pulev

The Ukrainian announced on Thursday that the undefeated Pulev, 33, will be his next opponent at Hamburg's o2 World Arena.

Klitschko, who beat Australian Alex Leapai inside five rounds in his last fight, is relishing his next challenge and will not take the Bulgarian lightly.

The 38-year-old said on his official website: "I will be fighting IBF mandatory Kubrat Pulev on September 6th in the o2 World Hamburg, Germany.

"The Cobra is a challenge for me with his record of 20 wins (11 by KO) and no losses. Last year he clearly won his fight against my former opponent Tony Thompson on points.

"So there is definitely no reason to underestimate him. I am looking forward to this challenge and can"t wait to start my training camp to prepare for the next step of my mission."

Klitschko will defend his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles against Pulev.