Vitali Klitschko will have right knee surgery this week and has 90 days to reschedule his heavyweight title defence against Hasim Rahman.
The Baltimore Sun reported that Klitschko will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus and that the World Boxing Council agreed to a plea that allows him to remain champion despite a fourth postponement of the Rahman bout.
"I cannot really enter the ring with an injury that does not allow me to be maximum functional in a fight against such a serious fighter as Hasim Rahman," Klitschko said on his web site. "I hope that I will recover soon."
Klitschko, 35-2 with 34 knockouts, has not fought since beating Britain's Danny Williams last December. Back and thigh injuries forced delays in fights with Rahman that were planned for April 30, June 18 and July 23.
The WBC told Klitschko he must fight Rahman, who captured an interim crown in August by beating fellow American Monte Barrett, or lose the title.
Rahman's manager Steve Nelson has claimed that Klitschko is running scared or his man, insisting; "What's happening is proof positive he lacks the courage, something we always knew to be the case."
A new date for the fight is expected this week.
