Klitschko targets Valuev

At Saturday night's post fight press conference, IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko said he wants a unification clash against seven-foot WBA heavyweight titlist Nikolai Valuev, Fightnews reported.

"I hope it moves now to the fight against Nikolai. I believe he wishes for this fight just like me. I hope that we do it," commented Klitschko. "It is not simple to close this deal, but I hope that pressure from the public will help the fight come about."

Valuev, however, must first get past a tough assignment in unbeaten mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev on April 14 at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. "I believe that Nikolai wins this fight," added Klitschko. "Chagaev is not so known and not so attractive as Valuev. If I could select one, I would take Valuev."

If Valuev is indeed successful, the Klitschko Brothers' promotional company K2 hopes to initiate talks with the Valuev camp for a unificaton clash in June or July. Klitschko also complained that Valuev's co-promoter Don King is difficult to work with and has continually stalled attempts to make a unification fight against Valuev. King and Ray Austin did not attend the presser.

Undefeated WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev reaffirmed his interest in a unification showdown with Wladimir Klitschko after the Ukrainian's second-round stoppage of Ray Austin. Speaking from his hotel in Berlin, where he is shaping up for his mandatory defense against Ruslan Chagaev (April 14), the Russian Giant said he has been waiting for a clash with Klitschko for a long time.

"I have been asked this question a hundred times and my answer is always the same," he vowed. "Of course it depends on my management but I am ready to get in the same ring with Wladimir at any time." Much like everyone else, Valuev was disappointed by Ray Austin´s performance which ended in a second-round defeat.

"Even though I had considered Klitschko the clear favourite ahead of the bout, I was disappointed with Austin´s showing," he stated. "He disregarded Klitschko´s strengths from the first bell on. He thought that Klitschko could only punch with his right hand. That´s why the quick loss is no surprise." Valuev will now switch his attention back to Chagaev but has a message for Klitschko. "Brother, see you in the ring."