Ruslan Chagaev: “I’m the “REAL” Champ!”


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Ruslan Chagaev: “I’m the “REAL” Champ!”

Interview by Benny Henderson Jr., Doghouse Boxing (Feb 1, 2009)

After a year hiatus from the boxing ring due to illness and injury, the WBA heavyweight titlist Ruslan Chagaev 24-0-1 (17) returns to the ring February 7th in Rockstock, Germany to take on the number ten ranked heavyweight Carl Davis Drumond 26-0 (20) in a scheduled twelve round heavyweight clash.

In his first match since defeating Matt Skelton unanimously January of 2008, the “White Tyson” who told the Doghouse he is highly motivated, aims to dispose of Drumond to move on to bigger names and more titles.

In this exclusive interview conducted by Doghouse Boxing, Ruslan speaks out on his upcoming bout, talks about his future, and hands out his candid thoughts on some of the major players in the heavyweight division, enjoy.

Benny Henderson Jr.: How are you feeling coming into this match-up against Carl Drumond?

Ruslan Chagaev: I’m totally happy, to get back in the ring. The last time I went through the ropes was one year a go. I’m hungry, very hungry. After my injury you will see the best motivated Chagaev ever. I feel well. Now everything is okay with my leg. I don’t look back. For me 2008 was a lost year. Hopefully 2009 will be my year! I’m working on it.

BH: What do you know about your upcoming opponent, as far as his strengths and weaknesses are concerned?

RC: He is a strong man. Good fight record. No loss. I have respect what he achieved. But I’m not worried about my next task. We’ll see.

BH: I know you are not overlooking Drumond, but if successful, what fight interests you the most?

RC: I am looking forward to my second bout against Valuev. I want to show the world who is the real WBA champ. I saw him celebrating after his victories against Ruiz and Holyfield. But why did he celebrate? He lost against me. And I beat both of them. Why is he a champ? I’m the real champ. My bad luck was Valuev’s fortune. That makes me sad. And gives me special motivation for the next two fights.

BH: It was reported that Carl Drumond demanded that he would knock you out in this bout, what are your thoughts on his comment?

RC: I never was knocked out. That sounds like a joke. He will be surprised in the ring. I am more surprised than he and fought better guys then he did. Let’s talk in the ring. With our fists...

BH: Did you watch the Valuev vs. Holyfield fight, if so, what are your thoughts on the fight and outcome?

RC: Valuev lost the fight. But he won it. I was wondering. For me the minimum was a draw. It was the same like Ruiz. That was also a draw. Valuev is a lucky guy.

BH; With so many titles out there in the heavyweight division, and three different title holders holding a piece of the crown, there is a debate on who is the “Real” heavyweight champion. Your thoughts on who is the “real” heavyweight champion and why?

RC: I already gave that answer.

BH: I am going to name some fighters in the heavyweight division, and I would like for you to say the first thing that comes to mind when you hear their names. The Klitschko brothers.

RC: Good guys, but I can beat both of them

BH: Nikolai Valuev.

RC: See you in June!

BH: Chris Arreola.

RC: Who?

BH: David Haye.

RC: He is English.

BH: Alexander Povetkin.

RC: Strong fighter.

BH: Kevin Johnson.

RC: I don’t know him.

BH: Kali Meehan.

RC: I don’t know.

BH: In closing, is there anything you would like to say to your upcoming opponent, the fight fans or the fight world in general?

RC: Watch my fight!

The broadcast of the three 12-round bouts is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 2 PM/ET – 11 AM/PT on cable pay-per-view via iN Demand and TVN for a suggested retail price of only $24.95. A same day replay will be shown at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/ET. The event will also be available in Canada on TSN. Hall of Fame announcer Col. Bob Sheridan will handle blow-by-blow duties and Benny Ricardo, former NFL placekicker, will serve once again as the color commentator.

I would like to thank Bob Trieger as well as George Nolte for their help on delivering this interview.

You can listen to Bob Carroll, Butch and “THE Big Dog” Benny Henderson Jr. every Wednesday night from 6-7pm EST on Fightin’ Words Radio Show. To listen live via the internet, go to www.1490wwpr.com and look for the ‘listen here’ tab. Don't forget to check out the Fightin' Words Radio Show website, www.fightinwordsonline.com

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