Schalke's Soccer Stadium Hosts Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye

The highly expected world heavyweight boxing championship bout between the IBF, WBO and IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko against David Haye will take place at Bundesliga club Schalke's stadium in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

On June 20, Wladimir Klitschko wil defend his titles against British heavyweight contender David Haye, a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion at VELTINS-Arena known as Arena Auf Schalke, the Klitschko’s management confirmed today. “I always wanted to fight in a soccer stadium in front of such a big crowd. Now, this dream comes true. Once I attended a Schalke match myself and since then I have not forgotten these fantastic fans that supported their team constantly for 90 minutes. I am sure June 20 will be an unforgettable night for all of us,” says reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko. Opened in 2001, Arena Auf Schalke, with a retractable roof, has a capacity of at least 60.000 spectators. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Arena AufSchalke hosted 5 matches. “For the first time the arena will host a boxing event. The whole region is looking forward to June 20. When I think of the day I get a goose-skin, ” says Rüdiger Mengede, General Manager of the Schalke 04 Betriebsgesellschaft.