AP DUESSELDORF

WLADIMIR Klitschko will be aiming for his 50th career knockout when he defends his world heavyweight titles against French challenger Jean-Marc Mormeck on Saturday night.

Klitschko is 17 centimeters (6 inches) taller, has an 18 cm (7 inch) reach advantage and is four years younger than the 39-year-old Frenchman.

“I’ve been criticized for having him as an opponent,” Klitschko said.

Klitschko, who holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, has a 56-3 record and has won his last 14 fights.

The Ukrainian is a big favorite against the Guadeloupe-born Mormeck, who is 36-4, with 22 KOs.

“It’s so difficult to fight a smaller guy because usually they are faster physically,” Klitschko said. “This is why I’m expecting a tough challenge, at least in the beginning of the fight.” This fight, taking place in the football stadium of Fortuna Duesseldorf, promises to be a more civilized affair. Mormeck has rejected Klitschko’s flattering comparisons of him to Mike Tyson. “I’m not Mike Tyson, though sometimes it’s a good PR stunt. I have neither the explosiveness nor the punch,” said Mormeck