World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has withdrawn from the defense of his IBF and WBO titles against British boxer Derek Chisora after failing to recover from a torn abdominal muscle.
The 34-year-old Ukrainian was hurt in training before the original Dec. 11 bout against Chisora, the British and Commonwealth champion. His doctor said Saturday the fight rescheduled for April 30 in Mannheim, Germany, is off.
''At present, the exact time frame for recovery is difficult to predict,'' Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt said. ''A fight in April ... would be too great a risk.''
Klitschko apologized to his supporters.
''I'm sorry it was canceled in the end, especially for the fans who sold out SAP Arena,'' Klitschko said. ''But I am sure that we will soon carry out an event in Mannheim.''
Klitschko has a 55-3 record with 49 knockouts, while Chisora is 14-0.
Klitschko's brother, Vitali, defends his WBC heavyweight title against Odlanier Solis on March 19 in Cologne, Germany.
