Klitschko meets Johnson for the “Barney in Bern”
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will defend his title in Bern on December 12 against Kevin Johnson of the United States.
The two boxers showed respect and seemed to enjoy each other’s company at a media conference at the Swiss capital’s PostFinance Arena on Friday.
The 38-year-old Klitschko (38 wins, two losses, seven knockouts) defeated Chris Arreola last month in Los Angeles. Johnson is 22-0-1 with nine knockouts. In May, the 30-year-old American beat Devin Vargas in a matchup of undefeated fighters.
“I feel top fit, had super preparations in Los Angeles and really enjoyed the fight against Arreola,” said Klitschko, whose win cemented his place alongside younger brother Vladimir at the top of the heavyweight ranks.
Johnson said there will “finally be an American heavyweight champion” after he wins. Vladimir Klitschko owns the IBF and WBO titles, while Nikolay Valuev of Russia is the WBA champion.
It will be Klitschko’s third title defence of the year.
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