The Uzbek’s speed proved to be a real challenge for the Russian Giant, who not only failed to find the range but also failed to find Chagaev with many power shots.

A lot has changed since April 2007. Valuev seems to have completely recovered, won four fights and regained the WBA belt that he lost to Chagaev. In the meantime, the Uzbek had suffered a freak injury while sparring, when he stumbled and suffered a complete tear of his Achilles tendon. Rather than strip Chagaev of the title, the WBA created a title for him – the “champion in recess” – giving the Uzbek a year to get himself fit.

Now as Valuev is looking for revenge after a disappointing loss in 2007, boxing specialists argue whether his second meeting will be much different.

The 35-year-old Valuev is a big, powerful giant that can take almost anyone down with one punch, while the smaller, quicker Chagaev, 30, has shown he is able to dodge the behemoth for 12 rounds. If Chagaev does so, his chances are more preferable.

One key factor could be Chagaev’s recovery from injury. This will definitely allow him to be a fast, moving target and spoil Valuev’s cards.

Valuev has an extra foot of height and more power, but Chagaev’s skill and speed may help him take the WBA belt back. Don’t let the weigh-in confuse anyone. Even though the Russian Giant is 40.7 kilos heavier (143.1 kg to 102.4 kg) Chagaev won’t go down easily on Saturday.

Finally, the Saturday bout can also be seen as a precursor to a possible clash between Valuev and Wladimir Klitschko, the younger of the Klitschko brothers. The latter is to take on British hope David Haye. If the Russian and the Ukrainian win their respective fights, all doors will be open for perhaps the most anticipated heavyweight bout in history: Nikolay Valuev vs. Wladimir Klitschko.