After 46 professional bouts and 16 title fights, 41-year-old Vitali Klitschko will break new ground on Saturday night.

The WBC heavyweight champion will, for the first time in his career, fight in Moscow. His opponent is Manuel Charr, who also fights out of Germany.

"It's my first bout in the Russian capital and I'm really happy to defend my title here," Klitschko said . "I know professional boxing is very popular in Russia and many Russians support me and my brother Wladimir.

"I had little trouble during my preparation for this bout. I am in terrific form and ready to perform for those who will attend the bout or watch it on TV," the Ukrainian said.

The tournament will be broadcast on SuperSport HD2 on Saturday, starting at 7 pm (SA, CAT, GMT+2). The main bout will also be shown on SS 7, starting at 10:45 pm.

Klitschko and the 27-year-old challenger meet at the Olympic indoor arena, which can seat 30 000 spectators. Klitschko is embarking on a career in politics and it may be his last fight.

Charr quoted Mahatma Gandhi when he faced the news media on Thursday: "At the beginning they ignore you, than they laugh at you and after they fight with you. And at the end you win," he said.

"I know Klitshcko's coach Fritz Sdunek very well. I have worked with him. I know which tactics he will choose for Vitali," Charr said.

"That's why I have called Valery Belov to coach me. We've put in good work and we have chosen excellent tactics.

“I'm a thousand percent sure it will work and I will become the WBC champion."

Klitschko said Charr was one of the brightest prospects among the new generation of heavyweights.

"I know some people are not taking Charr seriously because he is not a big name and he lacks experience. But he is in the top ten and he's young, aggressive and strong."

At 2 metres tall and with a reach of 2.03 m, Klitschko is 8 cm taller than the Beirut-born Charr and has a reach advantage of 5 cm.