Hamburg - Wladimir Klitschko will defend his IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against former champion Hasim Rahman in Mannheim, Germany, on December 13.

Confirming the fight on his website, Klitschko said: "Hasim Rahman is a very strong and experienced opponent who I definitely won't be underestimating."

Rahman, who will be 36 when the fight takes place, knocked out Britain's Lennox Lewis to win the world title in 2001, but was in turn knocked out by Lewis in a rematch later that year.

Wladimir Klitschko, 32, had been looking for a replacement after Russian mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin pulled out with an injury he suffered during a training session in his home town Kursk.

The German-based Ukrainian is now considered the world's best heavyweight, along with brother Vitali who last month reclaimed the WBC crown on his return to the ring after a four-year absence.

Rahman had been lined up to face Vitali Klitschko in 2005 but the bout eventually came to nothing when Klitschko retired through injury.

The veteran American, who lost his interim WBC belt to Russia Oleg Maskaev in 2006, now gets a fourth shot at a world title.

Since being stopped by Maskaev, Rahman enjoyed four wins against low-level opponents before a controversial no contest in July with fellow veteran James Toney when Rahman suffered a cut caused by an accidental head-butt. (dpa)