World champ Hernandez to defend title against Alekseev

World cruiserweight champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez will defend his IBF title against Russian mandatory challenger Alexander Alekseev in Bamberg, Germany, on November 23, it was announced on Friday. Cuba's Hernandez, who is based in Germany, will be defending the title he won two years ago against America's Steve Cunningham for a third time. Hernandez, who is based in Halle, east Germany, had been due to fight Eric Fields of the USA in February, but a hand injury ruled him out. Hernandez has 13 knock-outs from 27 wins with his only defeat coming against Guyana's Wayne Braithwaite back in 2008. "Finally I have my next title defence scheduled," said the 28-year-old Cuban. "I already wanted to fight this February, but I broke my left hand in sparring. "After such a long break I see some hard work coming up against Alekseev. "But as a world champion you have to fight what is set in front of you. "He earned his mandatory spot so I am happy to face him on November 23." Alekseev, who has a record of 20 knock-outs in 24 wins with just two defeats, is looking forward to his title shot. "This will be the most important fight of my career to date," said the 32-year-old, who lives in Hamburg. "Everything works the way it should do in training and I promise that I will take this chance and beat Hernandez." Source: AFP