Skip to main content

Wladimir Klitschko fight still on despite hospitalization

HELSINKI -- Unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko told SI.com that he is doing well after being hospitalized briefly on Friday with stomach pains and that his title defense against Jean-Marc Mormeck on Dec. 10 will go on as scheduled.

"I'm alright," Klitschko said in a text message. "[The fight] is ON!"

Klitschko's manager, Bernd Boente, told a German news outlet that Klitschko displayed symptoms of renal colic, a pain commonly caused by kidney stones.

"The fight isn't called off yet," Boente said. "Wladimir is doing well. There will be further examinations on Saturday, but we're assuming that the fight will be able to take place."

Klitschko (56-3) will face Mormeck (36-4) at the ESPRIT Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany. The fight will be televised by ESPN3.com.

-- Chris Mannix

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.