Valuev "fishing" for wins

"That is something we will find out in the ring," the Russian Giant said at a public work-out. "This fight is no different from my previous bouts. I am always prepared for my opponents."

The biggest and tallest champion of all time (47-0), who is closing in on Rocky Marciano´s dream record of 49 fights without defeat, will use the remaining four days to "preserve my great form". To get in the right frame of mind, he won´t just be working inside the gym. "I will go for walks and also go fishing," he stated. "I found a nice little shop here in Stuttgart where I will buy a new fishing rod today."

Funnily enough, his Uzbek challenger is no stranger to odd preparational methods himself. Coach Michael Timm put Chagaev through interesting work-outs during the long preparation. "Sometimes I would be standing on a box for Ruslan to get a feel for his size," Timm revealed. "Facing a seven-footer certainly is very difficult."

Chagaev (23-0) admitted a dream would come true for him on Saturday. "I have been working very hard to get a world title shot," he stated. "It is my goal to become world champion. Now I have the chance and I want to make the most of it."