Press Release: Nikolai Valuev (46-1, 34 KOs) has returned to Germany to continue his preparations for his comeback fight against Jean-Francois Bergeron (27-0, 19 KOs). The duo will battle it out in Oldenburg on September 29, 2007. It will spell a new beginning for the former WBA heavyweight champion, who has parted company with long-time coach Manuel Gabrielian and appointed Alexander Zimin instead. The coaching change has left the Russian Giant more determined than ever: "I don´t want to return to old strength - I want to get better than I was before," the 34-year-old vowed. "I have a clear goal: I want to win my title back as soon as possible."
Valuev surprisingly suffered the first loss of his career in April when Ruslan Chagaev clinched a tight majority decision in Stuttgart. Unbeaten in 47 fights, Valuev was close to equalising Rocky Marciano´s dream record of 49 wins in as many fights. Boxing fans all over the world were already debating over an exciting showdown with Wladimir Klitschko - but then came Chagaev and stunned his gigantic opponent.
"I was very, very disappointed," Valuev admitted. "I don´t show my emotions in public so I just went home to St. Petersburg and tried to get over the loss myself. It took a while for me to realise that I had really lost the belt. But all of a sudden I felt a new motivation. I realised the result could make me a much better fighter if only I drew the right conclusions. It was time to make a move."
Valuev eventually decided to add Zimin to his coaching staff, but he and Gabrielian were unable to work together efficiently. "I thought it would work," Valuev explained. "Alexander was to take care of the strength and conditioning training while Manuel was in charge of the daily work-outs. But their philosophies turned out to be too different. That made it impossible for them to work together."
Valuev had to make a decision which proved to be the most difficult of his life. He had to part ways with the man who made him a world champion. "Of course it was not easy. I owe Manuel a lot after we spent such a long and successful time together. But I had reached a point in life where I had to make a decision. It was my last chance and I had to make the most of it. I felt I could not get any better under Manuel - we had reached everything we could. There was no improvement. That made the decision painful but inevitable."
Even though they have put an end to their working relationship, Valuev and Gabrielian are still close friends. The former coach still resides in Valuev´s apartment in St. Petersburg. "Of course I was disappointed about his decision," Gabrielian admitted. "But I understood his points and accepted that it might be the best for him to continue his path without me."
From now on, Alexander Zimin will be the new face in Valuev´s corner. Zimin, Russia´s former amateur national team coach, enjoys a brilliant reputation. He has produced several world champions. "To train Nikolai is a tremendous challenge for me," Zimin said. "We will change a lot of things in practice. It is my goal for Nikolai not only to be successful but also to fight attractively."
The first days have been going well. "I feel progress every day," Valuev said. "We´re working together very well. I´ll be ready come September 29th."
