

From *********:
A huge media contigent was on hand for the final press conference took place today in Berlin before Saturday's WBA heavyweight title battle between champion John Ruiz and Nicolay Valuev. Ruiz was in good spirits as he spoke to the press for about 30 minutes. Among the highlights:
Valuev: John is a nice guy, but I will knock him out. I am very well prepared and there is nothing he can do to surprise me.
Ruiz: We brought 25 suitcases with us to Germany. One is empty, and in it we can put Nicolay after the fight. I'm prepared to go twelve rounds. My motto is early win and go home early.
Valuev: Your suitcase with the world title belt will be empty. Buy yourself a Berlin souvenir. That's all you'll pack in there.
Norman Stone: (Ruiz manager/trainer) Nicolay's size will not help him this time. We have a way to beat him.
Ulli Wegner: (Valuev chief trainer) If Nicolay simply boxes, he will win. Against Larry Donald, he had tried too hard and lost his focus.
Manuel Gabrielian: (Valuev personal trainer) This time we are prepared. Nothing can come between us. Nico will be world champion.
Comment