Klitschko vs Pulev set for September 6 in Hamburg, K2 wins purse bid

The fight between world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev is officially on, as the bout is set for September 6 at Hamburg's O2 World Arena in Germany. K2 Promotions won a purse bid for the fight with an offer of $7,250,131, beating out Sauerland Event, Pulev's promoter.

Klitschko (62-3, 52 KO) has run roughshod over the division since beating Chris Byrd in 2006, going 20-0 (14 KO) counting that win for the world title, and is on a 22-fight win streak overall. Pulev (20-0, 11 KO) is as legitimate an opponent as there is for the 38-year-old Klitschko at this point, too, so this is as good a fight as can be made in the division from a significance standpoint.

Pulev, 33, is a 6'4" Bulgarian with a good amateur background, who has largely dominated as a professional. That said, the step between the likes of Tony Thompson, Alexander Ustinov, and Alexander Dimitrenko up to Klitschko is a big one, and several top contenders have fallen down into the bottomless pit in recent years, including David Haye and Alexander Povetkin.

Pulev last fought on April 5, bowling over Ivica Perkovic in three rounds in a stay-busy bout. Klitschko demolished Alex Leapai in five rounds on April 26.