Wladimir Klitschko vs. Kubrat Pulev: Fight Time, Date, TV Info and More

Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KO) holds all but one of the world titles in the heavyweight division. On Saturday, he'll put his WBO, IBO, WBA and IBF titles on the line against Bulgarian challenger Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11 KO) at the O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg, Germany. 

The fight was recently picked up by HBO, which is out of the ordinary. In recent years, Klitschko's defenses haven't been televised in the United States (though his last defense against Alex Leapai was on ESPN).

Originally, the bout with Pulev was scheduled for Sept. 6, but an injury to Klitschko's bicep forced the fight to be rescheduled. The new date is upon us, and a bit of pre-fight drama has been added to the mix.

Pulev skipped a press conference after members of his management group weren't allowed in, per Ryan Songalia of The Ring Magazine. It is nothing more than a bit of gamesmanship by both parties, but Pulev's promoter Kalle Sauerland said, “A little respect to the challenger would have been nice to see.”

Come Saturday night, Pulev can earn immeasurable respect if he can do what no one has been able to since 2004. Here's how you can see the heavyweight clash.

When: Saturday, Nov. 15 at 4:45 p.m. ET/PT

Where: O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg, Germany

TV: HBO

The King

Gero Breloer/Associated Press

Klitschko has defended some portion of the heavyweight title 22 times if you count his initial reign back from 2000-2002 and the current run that began in 2006. He's won 19 straight overall and hasn't lost a bout since 2004. He's the most dominant champion in the sport, and at age 38, he's not showing any signs of slowing down.

There's a new crop of contenders making their way into Klitschko's sights. No, I'm not referring to Shannon Briggs. American Deontay Wilder, WBC champion Bermane Stiverne, Tyson Fury and London's Anthony Joshua are all potential opponents for Klitschko in the next year or two if he continues his reign.

All of these fighters have the talent and/or size to believe they have a shot at beating the future Hall of Famer.

Before Klitschko can look forward to adding to his already amazing resume by beating any of those men, he must handle a tough, undefeated Bulgarian challenger.

Unclinchable?

Gero Breloer/Associated Press

One of Klitschko's biggest weapons is his reach. Per BoxRec, the 6'6" champion has an 81" reach. That usually gives him a huge advantage with his jab and the two-handed face push he regularly employs to maintain distance between he and his opponents.

Klitschko is also massively strong on the inside. He ties his opponents up and wears them down by leaning on them. He often puts his weight on the back of his opponent's neck whenever he gets a chance.

Pulev is aware of Klitschko's tactics, and he's intent on avoiding the interior roughhousing. In an interview with Ring Magazine's Anson Wainwright, he said this about the clinch:

"

Inside the ring it is all about what I can do and do better than him. Actually, I think that footwork will be a deciding factor but you have to wait to see it yourself. One thing that is for sure is that Klitschko will not be able to impose his physique on me – for example, he will not be able to clinch me as he did with (Alexander) Povetkin.

"

Pulev stands 6'4" and has an 80" reach himself. He seemingly has adequate length to keep Klitschko from beating him to the punch. This will be the first of several mini-battles Pulev will have to win if he hopes to be competitive and get the victory. If you believe what he's been saying publicly for the last two years, it's clear Pulev wants to do more than just compete.

He closed the interview with this powerful statement: "Two years ago I told you that I am coming to get you. On November 15 your time runs out and a new era is about to begin."

Many challengers have made such claims to the champion during his 10-year reign, but not one has been able to make good on his promise. Will Pulev be the first?

Prediction

This is an interesting fight because Pulev is not undersized, and he's not an immobile big man who is incapable of keeping pace with Klitschko. Pulev's background as a soccer player speaks to his mobility and could potentially aid him the way Ricky Hatton's pitch skills once helped him.

Because of Pulev's size and dexterity, this will be one of Klitschko's most difficult defenses. If Pulev is true to his word and able to avoid the clinch and manhandling on the inside, he could give Klitschko problems. 

While he may have some moments, Pulev won't be the man to topple Klitschko—if anyone ever does again. 

He isn't a titanic puncher. His stoppage wins usually come late after he's worn an opponent down. In what seems like eons ago, Klitschko's chin was believed to be suspect. All three of his losses have come by KO.

In actuality, Klitschko's stamina was a bigger culprit. It failed him against Lamon Brewster. He was caught by the late Corrie Sanders and hurt, but he took some good shots before the fight was halted by the referee.

Since winning the title the second time, Klitschko has developed defense on par with his phenomenal offense, and no one has been able to get close enough to truly test his chin again. He's also worked tirelessly to improve his stamina.

Kltischko is now routinely in phenomenal physical condition and prepared to go the distance when need be. Because of Klitschko's length, wind and experience, it's difficult to see Pulev winning a decision.

The challenger doesn't possess the type of power Brewster and Sanders did, and it's unlikely he'll avoid Klitschko's grasp the entire bout. Bet on the champion winning by unanimous decision in a competitive fight.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.