Vladimir Klitschko eyes Joe Louis' longest reigning heavyweight record
Ukrainian, 38, is four years shy of the 12-year mark that American ;egend set
Vladimir Klitschko says he plans to box on for another decade in his bid to break Joe Louis' record as the longest reigning world heavyweight champion.
The 38-year-old Klitschko, who has been world champion since 2006, defends his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts in Oberhausen, Germany, on Saturday against Australian challenger Alex Leapai.
The 34-year-old Leapai has a 30-4-3 career record since turning professional in 2004.
A few years ago, I thought I couldn't improve, but my mission is still a long way from over. I want to box on for 10 more years
Klitschko is 61-3 with 51 knockouts and his last defeat is now a decade ago.
Klitschko said he had no plans to retire and wants to break US boxing legend Louis' record of 12 years as a world heavyweight champion, having been unbeaten between 1937 and 1949, with the Ukrainian needing to fight on for four more years until 2018, when he will be 42.
"I just turned 38, but that's only a number," Klitschko told the German daily Die Welt.
"I am still extremely hungry and better than ever.