Wladimir Klitschko to defend title against brave Australian

Klitschko, whose elder brother Vitali is now a leading figure in the opposition to the Ukrainian government, holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts and has his sights set on the WBC title left vacant by Vitali.

"I am wary, but I will prepare myself as well as I can and I'm looking forward to a great challenge," said Klitschko, who will turn 38 in March and has recently spent much of his time alongside his brother in the protests against Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych in the capital Kiev.

Leapai, 34, has a 30-4-3 career record since turning professional in 2004, while Klitschko is 61-3.

"Everyone talks to me about Wladimir's 61 victories and how great he is, but all I'm thinking about are his three defeats against opponents who can't strike as hard as I can," said Leapai in a statement.

(File photo:Gallo Images)

- Sapa