Boxing.com

When Wladimir Klitschko decisioned David Haye earlier this month to add the WBA strap to his IBF/WBO titles, the WBA designated him “super champion,” which left the category of regular old champion vacant.

That vacancy will be filled on August 27 when Alexander Povetkin (21-0, 15 KOs) meets Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KOs) for the WBA heavyweight crown.

At a press conference in Erfurt, Germany, where the fight will take place a month from now, Povetkin and Chagaev stated their case, while praising his opponent.

“I have won the Olympic gold medal and I´ve been World and European Amateur Champion,” said the 32-year-old Povetkin. “Now I want to finally accomplish my goal of winning the world title as a professional. I have a lot of respect for Chagaev, but he will not get in my way.”

Chagaev was as respectful of Povetkin as Povetkin was of him.

“Povetkin is a strong fighter,” the 33-year-old Chagaev said, “but I want to become world champion again and win back my old title. I am highly motivated.”

Both fighters have heavy hands, so this fight is as likely to end early as not.

Among those who expect fireworks when the two men get it on is Povetkin’s manager, Vlad Hrunov.

“It will be a clash at the highest possible level,” he said. “Both Alexander Povetkin and Ruslan Chagaev are top athletes and fair sportsmen. It´s nice to be on a press conference that focuses entirely on the sport and not on provocations. That tells you everything you need to know about the fight.”