By Alexander Pavlov

IBO/WBO/WBA/IBF world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (57-3, 50KOs) expects a tough fight when he takes on mandatory challenger Tony Thompson (36-2, 24KOs) this Saturday night in Berne, Switzerland. Klitschko stopped Thompson in the eleventh round of their 2008 clash. Thompson spent years rebuilding his career, and winning fights, to force

a second meeting with Wladimir.

"I was very surprised that Tony, being a someone who loves to talk, was not very talkative this time. It should be noted that for a 40-year-old guy he looks great. He is well-trained and knows exactly how and what to do in the ring. I think Tony knows me like no other. Tony not only met with me in the ring, but he sparred with me in 2003," Wladimir said.

"The fight with him in 2008 turned out to be one of the most difficult of my career. To win, I had to change the strategy as the fight progressed. Later on, Thompson was a sparring partner for my brother Vitali. I think Tony understands what awaits him in the ring. I can see that he is highly motivated. After all, it is the last chance in his career to become a world champion. And at this stage, any athlete is very dangerous."

"It was very difficult to prepare for a fight with Thompson. It was very difficult to find [proper] sparring partners to prepare for him."

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru