HAMBURG, Germany — Wladimir Klitschko will fight a man almost two kilos heavier and four centimeters taller when he defends his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts against Mariusz Wach of Poland Saturday. Klitschko weighed in at 112 kilos (247 pounds) Friday, while the 32-year-old Wach registered 113.8 (251). The unbeaten Wach will be the first opponent Klitschko has faced who is taller than he is, despite the 36-year-old Ukrainian's height of 1.98 meters (6-foot-6). Wach is a formidable 2.02 meters (6-7½) tall and the two-time Polish champion also has a longer reach. Wach may be nicknamed ‘The Viking', but he has subjected himself to abstinence and a Spartan regime in his bid to beat Klitschko. Despite Wach's record, his only significant victory is a fourth-round knockout win last year against Kevin McBride, who beat an ageing Mike Tyson back in 2005, but he has trained three times a day for five months for this fight. “I am prepared 100 percent and will provide a fight that will remain long in the memory,” says the 32-year-old Wach, who lives in New Jersey. Having banned himself from sex, drink or any sweets and subjected himself to a fierce training regime, Wach has taken every measure to ensure success. Since entering his US training camp on June 11, Wach has been accompanied everywhere by a cardboard cut-out of Klitschko to remind him of the challenge he faces. The Klitschko cut-out watched over his shoulder at dinner, during training and even when he slept. “Because I have always seen him, it's a kind of psychological conflict and he has become my friend,” explained Wach and having seen Klitschko's face everyday for months, there will be no fear factor when they meet in the ring. With 50 knock-outs and 58 victories in 61 professional fights, this will be Klitschko's third defense since unifying all three belts by beating Britain's David Haye in July 2011, also in Hamburg. “I am a real heavyweight,” said Krakow-born Wach. “I will not let Wladimir come into the fight, but will put him under pressure from the start. “We will take a lot of hard hits, until I finally knock him out. I'll be the first heavyweight champion from Poland.” But Klitschko will present a tough challenge. “Welcome to big time boxing!” Klitschko, 36, boomed at his opponent at Monday's press conference. “He can hit pretty good,” added the champion. “But it depends on how you use the size. “If the opportunity arises, I will finish the fight early.” This will be Klitschko's first fight since his trainer Emanuel Steward died of cancer on Oct. 24 in his home town of Detroit. “I will be without Emanuel, but his presence will be with me when I step into the ring and I will defend the titles we have won together,” said Klitschko, who will have sparring partner Johnathon Banks in his corner in place of Steward. “I know what I have to do and I will do it for him.” — Agencies
