Rahman, Klitschko to clash on Nov 12

California:

The WBC heavyweight title fight between holder Vitali Klitschko and challenger Hasim Rahman will take place on November the 12th in Las Vegas. The announcement was made at a press conference in Beverly Hills, California yesterday, at which Rahman accused the holder of doing anything he could to avoid a title defense against him. The fight was originally scheduled for the 30th of April, but was pushed back twice because of injuries to the Ukrainian titleholder. Rahman pulled no punches by accusing the titleholder of doing everything he could to avoid a title defense against him. Word game Promoters said 34-year-old Klitschko will earn $7.8 million for the fight and Rahman, who turns 33 five days before the fight, will collect $4.2 million. Klitschko maintained his poise throughout the press conference but it was obvious he was upset by some of Rahman's words. Klitschko, who at 6-foot-8 (2.03 metres) has a 5-and-a-half inch (14-centimetre) height advantage, is listed as an early favourite to win the fight and retain his title. (AP)