Former world champion Nikolai Valuev will return to the ring in September against unbeaten Jean-Francois Bergeron.
I'll rule again, says giant Russian
Nikolai Valuev will return to the ring in September.
The giant former WBA heavyweight king will take on Quebec's Jean-Francois Bergeron in Oldenburg, Germany.
It will be Valuev's first fight since being out-pointed by Ruslan Chagaev in April, losing his title and his first fight in 48 paid contests.
That defeat gave the 7ft 1in Russian's band of critics plenty of ammunition, but the man himself says he will be a better fighter for having tasted defeat.
And he says that after five months out of the ring, he is ready to return to the pinnacle of the sport again.
"I want to be world champion again," he said. "I have learned from the first loss of my career.
"I have something to prove and the fight against Bergeron will be the first step."
Bergeron, is a southpaw who has a perfect 27-0 record.
The September 29 bout will be the first time he has boxed outside North America, but he believes he can become the latest heavyweight to topple Valuev.
"It will be an interesting fight but I will prevail," he said.
