Bout to be shown on PPV in U.S.

Press Release: Evander Holyfield is convinced that neither size nor age will matter in Saturday´s showdown with Nikolai Valuev. The 46-year-old challenger is determined to become the oldest heavyweight champion in the history of boxing when he takes on the Russian Giant in front of a sell-out crowd of 12.500 fans in Zurich. In order to put his name in the record books, though, he needs to defeat the biggest and tallest champion of all time.

“I will display a performance that will surprise many people,” Holyfield said at today's official press conference. “I have been asked about my age so many times but that is fine. It is not about how old you are. It is about how old you feel and what you can do inside the ring. I am very experienced and I know what I have to do against Valuev. I am in great shape and I really look forward to Saturday night.”

Valuev will make his second appearance in Switzerland after stopping Jameel McCline in the third round of their meeting in January 2007. “It is great to be back in Switzerland,” Valuev said. “It is a great country and the people are very nice. It is something very special to fight an accomplished champion such as Evander Holyfield. He is a living legend and I am full of respect for him. However, once you are inside the ring, neither names nor titles matter any more. I have trained very well and I will put on a good performance on Saturday night.”

Promoter Wilfried Sauerland admitted the showdown will be one of the biggest fights he has ever staged. “This is a very special bout,” he said. “Holyfield has been heavyweight champion four times. He faces the biggest champion of all time. It is a clash of the superlatives.”

Philippe Huber, CEO of co-organisers Kentaro, believes that Saturday's clash will help to put Switzerland on the world boxing map. “We are keen to establish Switzerland as a top venue for great boxing fights,” he said. “This is truly an outstanding event.”

A relaxed Holyfield also happily answered questions that were not related to boxing. A curious reporter wanted to know whether he really lived in a house with more than 100 rooms. “Yes, that is true,” Holyfield said. “I have been blessed and I am very thankful for my lifestyle. I have worked very hard for it. And that is what I will do on Saturday night: Work hard to win the title.”

Asked about how many rooms his house in Russia has, Valuev smiled. “My new house is not finished yet. These kind of things take a little longer in Russia.”