By Mark Vester

Back in June, WBA heavyweight champion in "recess" Ruslan Chagaev was sidelined after suffering a complete tear of the Achilles tendon in his left ankle. The injury forced him to withdraw from his July mandatory title defense against Nikolai Valuev. It was not the first time that Chagaev was sidelined with an injury or illness. The WBA would later demote Chagaev to "a champion in recess" and then order an interim bout between Valuev and former champion John Ruiz, scheduled for August 30, to crown as the champion. Chagaev would have to fight the winner in the next few months or risk being fully stripped.

Chagaev is back in the gym, taking it slow as he tries to take baby steps on route to getting back into shape. He has to wear a special shoe to protect the hurt tendon from reinjury.

"At night I have to wear an even bigger shoe. It reminds me of a snowboard boot. It's for the stabilization of the operated tendon. But at least I can drive. Of course training while injured is hard than when you are healthy. Three days a week I have to get six-hours of rehabilitation an the other three days I'm in the gym," Chagaev told writer Nina Willborn.

Chagaev is not able to predict when he can return to the ring. He must first get the green light from his doctor. Once he returns, it doesn't matter to him if the comeback bout is against Ruiz or Valuev.

"I must wait for the ok from my physician Michael Ehnert. I miss fighting. I have equal interest in fighting Ruiz or Valuev. I already beat both of them. The both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I will win again and show everyone who the true champion is." 

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingscene@hotmail.com