Valuev defends crown against “What the Heck� Beck on Saturday

Nikolai, Nicolay, Nikolay, however you spell his first name, Valuev The Giant will defend his WBA title belt on Saturday. The tallest boxing champion in history will face off with Owen Beck in Hanover, Germany.

The Giant was asked how things have changed since he was awarded a decision win over John Ruiz to take the title in 2005. “Well, quite a lot has changed,” he said. “It was my dream to get the title and as a result my popularity grew in Russia and abroad. I have a lot more to do with the press compared to the past and journalists from UK, the USA, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Norway and Italy, just to name a few, are requesting interviews photos or simply information about myself. Especially in connection with my two home countries Russia and Germany I feel a high responsibility concerning my behavior and statements. For the Russians I am the very first heavyweight world champion and I feel they are discussing it. They are proud on my achievements and I want to keep them like that.”

Valuev, who splits his time between Russia and Berlin, was asked about the two locales.

“Both mean everything to me,” he said. “I was born and raised in St. Petersburg. I have got all of my familiar roots here and that is the place my son was born. That is something no one can or ever will take from me. In addition I love the inhabitants; they are something special.”

The Giant took it on the chin for his showing against John Ruiz.

“I know it wasn’t a very good bout,” he said. “While boxing against Ruiz I had to come along with his way of fighting. I do listen to my critics and think about a possible way to improve my performance for the next time. For sure I should have used my right one more often. In the last weeks, I trained very hard and am ready to show the world a good bout against Owen Beck in Hanover on June 3.

How’s training been going for Beck?

“After my meniscus operation, and due to the postponed bout, I had a long time to prepare myself,” he said. “I started to train with Coach Manuel Gabrielian in St. Petersburg and since April, I am back in the gym in Berlin combined with an intensive two weeks training camp in Kienbaum.

We analyzed Beck with some videos from his past bouts. He is a good and uncomfortable challenger, but, nevertheless, I am optimistic I will win.”

What does The Giant think of the development that the Eastern bloc fighters have started to dominate the world championships?

“I think the boxers from the east of Europe have just started,” he said. “In the future the US will have to accept that our broad sportive education and performance with their fully-fledged coaches are more than an advantage.”

How about a bout between you and Wladimir Klitschko? Would you agree, if there is an offer?

“Yes, I would fight against everyone, but first of all that is a manager’s decision,” he said. “A bout like this would for sure be more than an usual challenge because Klitschko is nearly as tall as I am and it is interesting to finally see how we come along with each other inside the ring and who is really the better one.”

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