Valuev vs. Liakhovich
eliminator set for February 16

Nikolai Valuev and Sergej Liakhovich will battle our their WBA eliminator in Nurnberg on February 16, Sauerland Event confirmed today. The Russian Giant (47-1, 34 KOs) is just one win away from earning the right to challenge current champion Ruslan Chagaev, who handed him the sole loss of his career back in April 2007 when he clinched a close majority decision. "I want to win my title back," Valuev stated. "And I will move closer to my goal on February 16."

Valuev bounced back from what he called "a good learning experience" with an uncontested victory over Jean-Francois Bergeron in September. It was the first fight under newly-appointed head coach Alexander Zimin, who had replaced Manuel Gabrielian. Zimin has not only changed Valuev´s style but also his training methods as they have moved their training camp base to Japan. In January, the Russian Giant will return to Berlin´s Max-Schmeling-Gym for the final tune-up. "I want Nikolai to please the fans," Zimin said. "He shall entertain them. That´s why we´ve changed his style completely - he is punching more and hitting harder."

Valuev is full of respect for Liakhovich (23-2, 14 KOs), who lost his WBO title to Shannon Briggs in November 2006. "He is a former champion so I will take him very seriously," the 34-year-old Russian said.