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.’ Alekseev, has a record of 20 knock-outs in 24 wins with just two defeats.