Chagaev injures foot, postpones fight with Valuev

Jun 28, 2008 - 1:28 AM By PA SportsTicker

Undefeated WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev tore his Achilles tendon in his left foot while sparring this week, forcing the postponement of his title fight against Nikolai Valuev on July 5.

For Chagaev (24-0-1, 17 KOs), who claimed the title by majority decision from Valuev (48-1, 34 KOs) in April 2007, the injury will require surgery and is expected to sideline him for an extended period of time, according to BoxingNews24.com.

A native of Uzbekistan who lives in Germany, Chagaev has pulled out of three fights with illness or injury since winning the title from the 7-foot, 320-pound Russian.

Chagaev made his first title defense on January 19, capturing a unanimous decision against England's Matt Skelton.

Valuev earned his rematch with Chagaev in February with a one-sided decision against former WBO champion Sergei Liakhovich.