WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev has dubbed Saturday´s rematch against “champion in recess” Ruslan Chagaev the “most important fight” of his life. The Russian Giant (50-1, 34 KOs) is eager to avenge the only loss of his career. “I am glad I will finally get the chance to set the record straight,” he said at today´s press conference at Hartwall Arena. “I am very confident of success. I have improved a lot since the first meeting. This is certainly the most important fight of my career.”
Valuev stated he did not care about Chagaev´s strange behaviour during the last couple of days. Yesterday, the Universum fighter boycotted the official media work-out.. Today he left the arena straight after the end of the press conference – without speaking to the reporters that were hoping to get additional statements. “I am happy to be in Finland,” Chagaev had said on the podium. “I am very calm and also a little bit tense but that is quite normal so close to the fight.”
Meanwhile, Valuev´s manager Wilfried Sauerland emphasized how pleased he was to stage the first-ever heavyweight title fight on Finnish soil: “This is a very special fight for us,” he said. We are delighted to stage the fight here in Finland. Helsinki will be in the centre of the boxing world on Saturday night. I have no doubts that Valuev will win. He has improved a lot since the first meeting. His new coach has made him much better. He is well prepared and he will leave the ring as the winner.” Alexander Zimin was quick to agree: “Nikolai has worked very hard in practice. We have improved his speed and his technical abilities. We are very confident.”
Michael Timm, Chagaev´s coach, is also confident of success: “Ruslan proved in the first fight that he can overcome the size difference. It is tough for the smaller guy to fight a bigger one but also the other way round. Ruslan has done very well – he has returned quickly from his Achilles injury and he is pleased that the fight will finally take place.”
Also in action will be WBA/WBC female welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus. The “First Lady” will make her first title defence against Amy Yuratovac. “She has clinched all her victories by KO,” Braekhus said. “She is a tough opponent but I have no intentions of losing my titles again. It feels great to be the world champion. I want to please my Scandinavian fans on Saturday night.” Coach Ulli Wegner was full of praise for her development. “She keeps improving every day,” he said.
“Her fitness is excellent, as is her attitude. She will make me proud again on Saturday, no doubts about that.”
Remaining tickets for the hotly-anticipated fight night at the Hartwall Arena, which is organised by Tailor Events and P3 Boxing, are available at www.lippu.fi as well as +358 600 900 900. VIP packages can be purchased at www.revengeofthegiant.com.
Team Sauerland launches English webpage; Nikolai Valuev Workout
Prior to the WBA heavyweight title fight between Nikolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev, Team Sauerland has launched its English webpage, www.boxing-online.com. Fans will not only find all the latest news and background information about star fighters such as Valuev, Povetkin and King Arthur but also receive video updates from training camps and fight venues. Former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster, who will also be in action on Saturday night, is featured in a special video blog from today´s media practice session in Helsinki. There will be additional updates from the Russian Giant in the next couple of days.
The biggest and tallest heavyweight champion of all time had arrived in Finland on Sunday night. Today he welcomed dozens of reporters to an open work-out. “I am in great shape,” Valuev (50-1, 34 KOs) said. “The big day has finally come. I want to take revenge and erase the dark memories of the only defeat of my career.” Coach Alexander Zimin had scheduled a light work-out session which featured stretching, shadow boxing and fitness exercises. “I am pleased with his form,” the coach said. “He will take care of business on Saturday night.” Unfortunately, Chagaev (25-0, 17 KOs)cancelled his appearance at today´s event.
On the undercard of the hotly-anticipated fight night at Hartwall Arena, WBA/WBC female welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus (11-0, 2 KOs) will make her first title defence, taking on Amy Yuratovac (6-2, 6 KOs). “She has no chance,” the immensely popular First Lady said. “I will not give away my belts!”
While Lamon Brewster (35-4, 30 KOs) battles it out with Juho Haapoja (9-2, 7 KOs), Scandinavian heavyweight hopeful Robert Helenius (7-0, 3 KOs) looks to please his hometown fans with a victory over experienced Scott Gammer (18-3, 9 KOs). “That is without a doubt the most difficult fight of my career,” the local hero said. “But with the support of my home fans I will beat him. I do not plan to disappoint them at all.”
Remaining tickets for the hotly-anticipated fight night at the Hartwall Arena, which is organised by Tailor Events and P3 Boxing, are available at www.lippu.fi as well as +358 600 900 900. VIP packages can be purchased at www.revengeofthegiant.com.