Contracts inked: Dr. Vitali Klitschko first with, then versus Lennox Lewis

Heavyweight world title clash between WBC-champ Lewis and official challenger Vitali Klitschko scheduled for fall 2003. Vitali Klitschko will fight on Lewis-undercard on June 21 in Los Angeles against opponent to be named.

05.05 - WBC heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis, his representative Gary Shaw and Dr. Vitali Klitschko of Universum Box-Promotion with his promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl have signed the contract for a world title bout not later than December 2003. Vitali Klitschko agreed to fight as semi main event on the Lewis-Johnson card in Los Angeles on Jun 21st.

"After the long negotioations I'm more than happy that this case is brought to the ring eventually", said Klaus-Peter Kohl of Universum Box-Promotion. "Lennox has proven he's a big champion and a gentleman who takes every big challenge." Vitali Klitschko was relieved after weeks of uncertainty: "I'm excited to box in L.A first and then versus Lennox Lewis. I was sure I'd box for the world title. It had to be Lewis as far as I am concerned. Now one of my biggest goals in my career is close: fight a big champion for a big title. I am sure I will convince the American fans with my performance."

Peter Kohl said: "Having signed this contract means a big satisfaction for me. Patience and diplomacy really pay off in the boxing business." Kohl was awarded the manager of the year award on April 28 in New York by the Boxing Writers Association of America. Promoter Gary Shaw said: "We are very excited about the great evening of boxing we will present the city of Los Angeles." The fight in Los Angeles, Peter Kohl added, will be the best promotion for the upcoming Lewis-Klitschko world title bout in the fall, because it's televised worldwide.

Visit www.boxing.de for a Face to Face statistic of Lewis and Klitschko. More features on this fight coming up shortly.

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The next events of Universum Box-Promotion

May 10
Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart
Thomas Ulrich vs. Graciano Rocchigiani
for the vacant IBF intercontinental light heavyweight title
Daisy Lang vs. Silke Weickenmeier
for the GBU jr. featherweight title