Chagaev KO'd by virus

Virus forces champion to call off second re-match with Russian

Last updated: 6th May 2008

Ruslan Chagaev WBA heavyweight champion

Chagaev: Forced to pull out of re-match with Valuev

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WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev has been forced to pull out of his re-match against Nikolai Valuev due to illness.

The duo had been due to go toe-to-toe for a second time on May 31 in Oberhausen.

However a virus has ruled Chagaev, who won the first meeting via a majority decision, out of action. No new date has been set for the bout.

"Ruslan Chagaev is weakened at the moment by a badly treated virus and has to definitely interrupt his training in order to be cured once and for all," Michael Ehnert, Chagaev's doctor, said.

Valuev has fought his way back to become the number one contender for the belt, winning his last two since the defeat to his rival from Uzbekistan.

Since being crowned champion in April 2007 the unbeaten Chagaev has defended the WBA title just once due to health problems.

He recorded a unanimous points decision over Britain's Matt Skelton in Dusseldorf in January of this year.