Valuev to take on Holyfield on December 20

WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev will return to the ring on December 20 when he faces living legend Evander Holyfield in Zurich. The Russian Giant, the biggest and tallest champion in the history of boxing, is confident of success against the man who at the age of 46 will try to become the oldest heavyweight titlist of all time.

"Holyfield was a great champion," Valuev stated. "He is very experienced but I have no doubts that I will beat him. I take this fight very seriously."

Valuev is looking forward to returning to Switzerland after clinching a third-round TKO victory over Jameel McCline in Basle in January 2007. "I only have the best of memories of Switzerland and I am happy to fight there again," he added. The clash will take place in Zurich´s famous Hallenstadion where Muhammad Ali stopped German heavyweight Jurgen Blin in the seventh round of their meeting in 1971.

Wilfried Sauerland is thrilled to present what will be yet another historic fight. "Evander Holyfield is a boxing legend," he stated. "It is great that we managed to bring him over to Europe." And Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer added: "We are proud to stage this fight in December. Evander Holyfield will undergo a medical check-up and we will now submit the contracts and application to the WBA requesting approval for the world title fight."

Four-time heavyweight champion Holyfield boasts a record of 42-9 with 27 KOs, while Valuev is 49-1 (34 KOs).

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Holyfield: Size doesn't matter

Nikolai Valuev and Evander Holyfield both voiced their respect for each other during yesterday´s media tour. One month before their eagerly-anticipated showdown in Switzerland, the WBA heavyweight champion and his legendary challenger held joint press conferences in Zurich and Berlin. "Evander, I want to thank you for getting into the ring with me. It will be an honour to fight you," Valuev stated. "You are a great champion and I have always had a lot of respect for you. But I am convinced I will leave the ring victorious."

The "Real Deal", who has fought the likes of Mike Tyson, George Foreman and Riddick Bowe, admitted that the showdown with the Russian Giant will definitely be something special. "He is the biggest champion I have ever faced, that is a fact," said the 46-year-old, who will try to become the oldest heavyweight champion of all time. "But boxing is not about size.

It is about how you fight. And believe me, I will be prepared for him."

It was a long day for the two fighters. After getting up at five in the morning to catch an early flight from Berlin to Zurich, Valuev enjoyed a rare moment of silence following breakfast to take a quick nap. Holyfield also arrived early after undergoing medical check-ups in Germany the day before. At the Hallenstadion, the two fighters were greeted by American cheerleaders and Russian models in army uniforms. After speaking to the Swiss reporters, a private jet then flew the duo over to Berlin. On the flight, they granted a few selected journalists exclusive interviews.

The next stop was the photo shooting at the Brandenburger Tor, where a huge crowd had gathered to take a glimpse of the two heavyweights. After a second press conference at the Maritim Hotel in the famous Friedrichstrasse, both fighters made an appearance at a special media reception hosted by BILD. Holyfield was impressed by Berlin. "It is a great city," he stated.

The four-time champion travelled home on Wednesday to shape up in Houston, Texas. Valuev will continue his preparation in Berlin. "I will definitely not underestimate Holyfield," Valuev said. "There has been speculation in the press about his age but everyone can see that he has stayed in great shape. I expect a tough fight and will take nothing for granted."

Holyfield determined to write boxing history

Evander Holyfield is convinced he will write boxing history on December 20 when he challenges WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev in Zurich.

The 46-year-old could become the oldest title-holder of all time if he beats the Russian Giant, who is the biggest and tallest champion in the history of boxing. The "Real Deal" certainly knows there is a tough challenge ahead of him. "I want to make the most of the chance and become world heavyweight champion for the fifth time," he said at today´s press conference in Zurich. "I do not just want to win the title but also defend it afterwards. I am still in great shape."

Holyfield arrived in Germany on Monday to undergo extensive medicals checks in Bayreuth under the guidance of ring doctor Professor Dr. Walter Wagner. "I might not have fought in over a year but all those who think that I am not able of competing for the world title any more will be surprised," Holyfield stated. "I know what to do inside the ring. I have been boxing for 38 years so I know how to make correct assessments."

Meanwhile, Valuev stated it was an honour to fight one of boxing´s greatest champions. "I am very proud to defend my title against Holyfield," the Russian Giant said. "He is a legend. Despite his age I take him very seriously. It has always been my wish to fight against him I used to follow his bouts closely in the past.

" Valuev vowed not to underestimate the challenger. "He is very experienced. It won´t be easy," the 35-year-old stated. "I want to stress that I have always taken this fight very seriously even though there have been some other remarks coming out of my camp. I will be in top shape and I will defend my title."