Boxing News Boxing News
On Monday, Ruslan Chagaev and Francesco Pianeta, their respective trainers Pedro Diaz and Dirk Dzemski as well as promoter Timur Dugazaev and co-promoter Ulf Steinforth, met for a press conference at Casino Esplanade in Hamburg, Germany.
Regular WBA Heavyweight Champion Chagaev and his challenger Pianeta perfectly adjusted to the location. Chagaev and Pianeta made the impression of sitting at a poker table rather than in front of the media. Instead of going all in or laying their cards on the table for a showdown, the fighters showed their best poker faces.
“I am happy to be back in Germany as the World Champion and I am looking forward to defending my title in front of my German fans”, said Chagaev.
“After putting together a great show in Grozny last year we want to establish ourselves in Germany, too”, added promoter Timur Dugazaev of Akhmat Promotion.
“It is important for us to present Ruslan on the German market. We want to thank our TV partner Sat.1 for this chance. Sat.1 is the ‘Home of the Champions’. So this is like a homecoming for Ruslan Chagaev.”
Co-promoter Ulf Steinforth is excited about bringing this big fight to his hometown Magdeburg. “We have promoted and co-promoted lots of great events over the years but this is probably the biggest show we have done so far,” he said.
“The heavyweight division will always be special. To co-promote a World Heavyweight Championship with two great fighters like these two where it is really hard to say what will happen in the ring is as big as it gets.
“On top of that we are presenting an all-heavyweight show with lots of great talent. I don’t think that there has ever been anything like this in Germany. We are looking forward to a great night on July 11th at Getec Arena in Magdeburg!”
By winning the World Heavyweight Title for Germany, Pianeta wants to make history: “Of course, I know that I could become the first German World Heavyweight Champion 83 years after the great Max Schmeling.
“This is my second shot at the title. When I challenged Wladimir Klitschko I couldn’t get the job done. But now I am ready for the big one. The name Max Schmeling is no burden to me but an extra motivation. I will win this title for Germany.”
Chagaev’s head coach Pedro Diaz didn’t want to say anything at the press conference – according to his motto: “Actions speak louder than words”. The former Cuban national coach who has had huge success at the pro stages as well has joined Team Chagaev three months ago.
“Pedro is a great Coach and has become a friend, too”, says Ruslan Chagaev. “With him and Artur Grigorian in my corner I have the perfect team and I will be more than ready come July 11th.”
Pianeta’s trainer Dirk Dzemski is convinced that his protegee will be victorious. “Just like Ruslan and Pedro, we have started training camp two months ago so we are sure that Francesco will show up at his best. I am looking forward to this fight – especially because I have known Ruslan and Artur for a very long time. This will be a great fight on a top level.”
Tickets for the “Heavy Night” on July 11 at Getech Arena in Magdeburg, Germany are still available online on www.eventim.de or www.tickethall.de starting at 26,- Euros. Sat.1 will broadcast the WBA Heavyweight Championship live, starting at 10.45pm German time.
