• Boxing

Valuev to face Vitali Klitschko

ESPN staff
June 19, 2010
Nikolai Valuev lost to David Haye in November © Getty Images
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Former two-time WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev looks set to fight reigning WBC champion Vitali Klitschko after his team accepted an offer made by K2 Promotions for the pair to square off.

Speculation has been rife about whether the fight would happen, but promoter Don King has stepped in and confirmed that the giant Russian, who was beaten by David Haye back in November, will take on Klitschko, with the date and venue to be decided in the near future.

"K2 Promotions has offered Nikolai Valuev $2.5 million to face Vitali Klitschko, and on behalf of Team Valuev, we are accepting their offer," King said. "Nikolai Valuev is the pride of Russia and the Russian people, and he wants to fight for his country and his fans.

"I hope K2 keeps their word. I hope we are done with the excuses, be they physical, financial or otherwise. Let's get it on. Let's go to the mat. My man Niko is going to knock Vitali out."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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