Klitschko targets Valuev!

By Karl Freitag

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. "That is my goal," stated Wladimir. "Marketing-wise, Valuev is the most attractive champion....I am ready, Valuev is ready. I hope the fight comes." Valuev, however, must next get past a tough assignment in unbeaten mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev on April 14. "I believe Valuev will win that fight," said Klitschko.

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 stated that Valuev's co-promoter Don King is difficult to work with and has been an impediment to making a fight against Valuev happen. King and Ray Austin did not attend the presser.