Alexander Povetkin (21-0, 15 KOs) and Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KOs) today participated in an international press conference in Erfurt, Germany, one month ahead of their WBA Heavyweight Title fight. After Wladimir Klitschko added the WBA belt to his IBF & WBO titles, the WBA made him super champion and the title became vacant. Top-ranked Chagaev and Povetkin, the number two, now fight for the title in Erfurt on August 27. “I have won the Olympic gold medal and I´ve been World and European Amateur Champion,” unbeaten Povetkin said. “Now I want to finally accomplish my goal of winning the world title as a professional. I have a lot of respect for Chagaev, but he will not get in my way.”

Pictures: Team Sauerland

Chagaev, who dethroned “The Russian Giant” Nikolai Valuev back in April 2007, was equally respectful of his opponent. “Povetkin is a strong fighter, but I want to become world champion again and win back my old title. I am highly motivated.” And his coach Michael Timm added: “This will be a great fight which could be over after three rounds. But it could also go the distance. We will be prepared for the full twelve rounds.”

Pictures: Team Sauerland

Chris Meyer, General Manager of Team Sauerland, said that a meeting between Sauerland Event and Universum, who promote Chagaev, is always special. “For many, many years Sauerland Event and Universum have been fighting to boost the sport of boxing in Germany. Whenever our paths cross inside the ring, the fans are guaranteed a very exciting fight. There are many examples from the past, and I am sure that August 27 will be no different.”

Vlad Hrunov, Povetkin´s manager, is also looking forward to an exciting heavyweight title fight. “It will be a clash at the highest-possible level,” he stated. “Both Alexander Povetkin and Ruslan Chagaev are top athletes and fair sportsmen. It´s nice to be on a press conference that focuses entirely on the sport and not on provocations. That tells you everything you need to know about the fight. It will be very exciting – with the better ending for Alexander.”

In the co-featured main event, WBA/WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Robert Helenius (15-0, 10 KOs) will be looking to knock out another former world champion. After destroying Lamon Brewster and Sam Peter, he now takes on Siarhei Liakhovich (25-3, 16 KOs).

Leave a Comment