By Alexey Sukachev

Nikolai Valuev, a two-time WBA heavyweight champion of the world, has got to know Ruslan Chagaev at his best. In April 2007 - Valuev - hunting down the record of the legendary Rocky Marciano, was soundly upset by the much smaller Uzbek fighter to suffer his first loss. However, Valuev, an avid blogger, considers Alexander Povetkin to be the clear-cut favorite of the collision between two ex-Soviet fighters, which takes its place on August 27 in Erfurt, Germany.

“Alexander will have a considerable advantage (over Chagaev). His youth, his physical stature, his intensity – I don’t really think he will have any problems with Chagaev boxing out of the southpaw stance. This is not the first time that Sasha is fighting a lefty. He has an amateur background and he fought lots of left-handers in the unpaid ranks. Chagaev’s age isn’t his strength as well. Also, his sick liver will prevent him from being as fast and as agile as he was in his past. I do think Povetkin will either win a decision or will stop Ruslan at about the eighth round," wrote Valuev.

“Chagaev can be dangerous at the very beginning nevertheless. He has some remnants of his former quickness – let’s call it this way. Probably, he will give Povetkin fits in the first three or (at best) four rounds with his attacks. Maybe he will earn some fans at the start. But it will not last long. After two thirds of the fight, it would be a toe-to-toe combat at the ropes. Povetkin can stop Chagaev during this period. It’s highly improbable Chagaev has enough left to sustain a frenetic pace in the fight. Sooner or later Alexander will force him to fight inside where he has a huge advantage over Chagaev. Sasha will win this fight. I think his chances to stop Ruslan are also rather high”.