Chagaev vs. Valuev - Sauerland Hit Back at Universum

In 2008, then-champ Chagaev had twice pulled out of fights against Valuev on short notice. He first cancelled the bout scheduled for May 31 before skipping a showdown arranged for July 5. Universum were lucky that the WBA did not strip Chagaev of his title. Instead, the title was vacated and Chagaev was made “champion in recess” with the order to fight the WBA-champion on his return to the ring. Valuev went on to defeat John Ruiz in Berlin to clinch the vacant title. He has been the official WBA heavyweight champion ever since. “A look into the official ratings confirms that,” Meyer said. “After February 7 (the date of the Chagaev-Drumond fight) the WBA still lists Valuev as the champion and Chagaev as “champion in recess”. Nikolai has always been ready to fight Chagaev at any time, but Chagaev has kept him waiting again. So Nikolai had to look for a different opponent. Nevertheless, we are still eager to make this fight happen as soon as possible.”

To finally end the confusion, Valuev has submitted a formal request to the WBA in which he offers to skip a voluntary defense and fight Chagaev as soon as possible. “We asked the WBA for clearance to start the negotiations with Universum immediately,” Meyer said. “If no agreement can be reached by the end of March, there should be a purse bid. The fight should be staged by the end of June. This solution is really in the best interest of everybody involved. Furthermore, Nikolai is eager to avenge the only loss of his career.”

The biggest and tallest champion of all time has already started his preparation for the Chagaev fight. Together with coach Alexander Zimin, he is working out in his home city of St. Petersburg. Later this week, he will fly to Japan for a special training camp. “I want to fight Chagaev as soon as possible,” Valuev said. “We still have something to settle. And all the confusion with champion and “champion in recess” has to finally come to an end.”