Heavyweight Denis Boytsov (27-0, 22 KOs) talks about the reasons behind why he can't take part in the IBF’s four fighter tournament to set a new mandatory challenger for IBF world champion Wladimir Klitschko.

“I’m very honored. My heart is bleeding that I can’t take this challenge. As a fighter I’m very disappointed. The doctors still haven’t given me approval return in a twelve round contest. Returning from a hand operation, a tune-up will likely happen later this year to test [the hand]. If all goes well, I’ll be ready for anything. My promoter is preparing the necessary medical documents to send over to the IBF so that they understand 100% as to the reason why I can’t participate.”

So you’re basically not against this tournament, seeing some of the difficulties boxing tournaments such as the Super Six have had?

No, the IBF has already done this before. I think it’s good. It’s a big attraction. But I have carried out all of my 27 professional fights with pain in the hand because an injury was treated not properly when I was still a 17-year-old amateur in Russia. This had to be corrected sometime. Now we’ve done this because my promoter and I decided that this is a good time.

2011 will be my year and I want to be at 100% of fitness. If the tournament was in spring of 2011, my participation would have been possible. It’s difficult for me to be patient, but my body is my capital and I don’t want to waste this with excessive ambition. I still am very, very young for a heavyweight. I’m very happy about the interest in me. Thank you very much. But I will still bring a lot of enjoyment for the box fans. When the time comes, Boytsov comes. I promise.

When should your next fight be?

Still this year hopefully. If the doctors give it the green light. If then the tune-up fight goes well, I’m ready again for big things. I thank everyone who has kept their fingers crossed for me up to now.