May 22nd 2010 will be the moment of truth for Ruslan Chagaev (25-1-1, 17 KOs). The former heavyweight world champion (2007-2009) will return to fighting action at the Hanseatic city of Rostock. At the StadtHalle Rostock Universum Box-Promotion will stage the official WBA eliminator at the heavyweight division. Chagaev's opponent will be the tough Australian Kali Meehan (35-3, 29 KOs). The winner of this highly anticipated fight willl be named the mandatory challenger for reigning WBA champion David Haye assuming that he will win his upcoming fight against John Ruiz.

Ruslan Chagaev returns to the ring after an eleven months lay-off. In his last battle he fought in front of 60.000 people at the Veltins-Arena in June 2009 he was defeated by IBF and WBO world champion Wladimir Klitschko. Now working with coach Magomed Schaburow he is ready and extremely motivated to recapture the WBA crown. In April 2007 he spectacularly defeated the Russian Giant Nicolay Valuev and claimed the WBA belt.

His opponent now, with the birthname Kalivath Gerald Meehan, is a very experienced contender. The fighter of Wyongah/Australien is promoted by Don King. The battle Chagaev vs. Meehan is once again a challenge of heights. # 3 WBA rated Chagaev is 6' 1 while # 2 WBA rated Meehan stands at 6' 5.

Chagaev promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl: „It will be a highly interesting challenge and for both boxers this fight will be very important. The loser will be left in the dust. Ruslan has learned from his defeat against Wladimir Klitschko and he favours taller boxers. He has what it takes to earn another shot at the WBA world champion.“

ZDF will televise the WBA eliminator fight between Chagaev vs. Meehan in Rostock live from 11:00 pm. Additional fights will be announced within the next days.

Tickets for the „Universum Champions Night“ on May 22nd 2010 at the StadtHalle Rostock are available at:

Universum Ticket Hotline: +49-40-696 559 59

CTS-Eventim Hotline: +49-1805-57 00 00