Alexander Povetkin (21-0, 15 KOs) is ready for the biggest fight of his career. The 2004 Olympic gold medal winner takes on Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KOs) for the vacant WBA Heavyweight Title in Erfurt, Germany on Saturday night. In the co-featured main event, WBA/WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Robert Helenius (15-0, 10 KOs) will be out to complete his KO hat-trick of former heavyweight champions. A final press conference was held today, and below you’ll find some quotes and photos from the event to get psyched up for the EPIX-televised doubleheader.
After stopping Lamon Brewster and Samuel Peter, the Nordic Nightmare comes face-to-face with Siarhei Liakhovich (25-3, 16 KOs).
“This is going to be an unforgettable night of heavyweight boxing,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said at today’s press conference.
“We have four potential heavyweight champions in the two main events. That’s about as good as it gets. Alexander Povetkin can finally crown his impressive career with a victory over Chagaev, who is an experienced and accomplished former champion. But Povetkin is younger, faster and stronger. I expect him to win, just as I expect our Scandinavian heavyweight sensation Robert Helenius to knock out the third ex-heavyweight champion in a row to continue his march to the top.”
Povetkin cannot wait to get down to business. “I am ready,” he said. “I have waited for this moment for a long time. I have a lot of respect for Chagaev. But we have developed a very good game plan.” Added coach Teddy Atlas: “Chagaev knows what it is like to be champion and he also knows what it’s like not to be champion anymore. He can do it all inside the ring but we are here with a good game plan and we are here to execute the game plan.”
Chagaev, who in April 2007 became the first man to defeat then-WBA Heavyweight Champion Nikolai Valuev, also voiced his confidence. “I have been dreaming to win back my old title for a long time,” he stated. “Alexander is a strong opponent. I have trained very hard for this big chance and I will make the most of it.”
Meanwhile, Helenius has set his sights on his 16th victory in as many fights. “The preparation has gone very well. Back home everybody asks me when I will be fighting the Klitschkos, but first things first, all my focus is on Liakhovich,” he stated. The White Wolf believes he will end the Nordic Nightmare´s unbeaten run. “It was me who picked Helenius, not the other way round. I will surprise a lot of people on Saturday night.”
