Klitschko gives Brock title shot

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO will make the first defence of his IBF heavyweight title against American Calvin Brock in New York on November 11.

There had been talk of a unification bout with Oleg Maskaev, who took the WBC title from Hasim Rahman last month.

But instead, the unbeaten Brock, 31, has finally been given an opportunity to win a world crown.

He has had 29 fights, winning 22 inside the distance, although he has never even fought a former titleholder.

“Calvin Brock is a very difficult opponent as his pro results and amateur career proves,” said the 30-year-old Klitschko, who won the IBF belt in April with a seventh-round stoppage of Chris Byrd.

“I know he is a dangerous opponent and I will not underestimate him.”

Ukraine’s Klitschko, a former WBO champion, has 46 victories from 49 bouts, with 41 coming inside the distance.

Current WBO heavyweight champion Serguei Lyakhovich has poured scorn upon Klitschko’s choice of opponent.

Lyakhovich, also chasing a bout with Klitschko, said: “I knocked [Brock] out in sparring five years ago. I want to unify the world titles. I don’t know what Klitschko wants.”