(JAN 29) Sergei Liakhovich injury and
promoter free and looking to get back in the heavyweight championship
mix. With his promotional ties to Don King Productions severed and his
shoulder injury now fully healed, former WBO Champion Sergei "White
Wolf" Liakhovich says he is ready to return to heavyweight glory in
2009.
"I want to make a statement in the heavyweight division this year and
have some great fights. I'm a free man and I'm 100% healthy. I did my
shoulder rehab with one of the best in the States and now everything is
great," asserts the eager Belarusian slugger.
The return to top form comes as welcome news, as Liakhovich hadn't had
much luck on his side since winning the WBO title against Lamon Brewster
in impressive fashion in 2006. First he suffered a highly debatable
stoppage to Shannon Briggs at 2:59 of the 12th and final round to lose
his title. And then, in a WBA Title Eliminator in February of last year,
he suffered a rotator cuff injury against Nikolay Valuev and was shut
out over 12 uneventful rounds.
Manager Ivaylo Gotzev maintains that several lucrative opportunities
were lost due to the boxing business world claiming to be reluctant to
deal with Don King. "There is no Don King excuse anymore for not
fighting. Whoever avoids Sergei cannot use that excuse anymore. Being a
free agent is definitely going to open doors."
Gotzev points out, correctly, that Liakhovich is still a relatively
young heavyweight with plenty of good performances left in him. "Sergei
is 32 years old in a division without many young fighters. There is
plenty of time left for Sergei to prove his greatness. He is very
excited to be back to complete health. The best of Sergei will be on
display in 2009."
Some of the names Liakhovich says he'd love to face are British bomber
David Haye, either Klitschko brother or especially up-and-coming Chris
Arreola. "I've been in touch with Dan Goossen, telling him Sergei is
available," asserts Gotzev. "Nobody can stop us. Anyone who wants a
piece of the White Wolf is welcome."
"I would love to fight any of these guys," adds Liakhovich. "I want the
best in the world, no matter who it is. I want tough opponents to make
great fights. Every promoter, manager and fighter in boxing should want
to do the same. Putting on great fights is the only way for boxing to
make a comeback. Tell any of them to call me and I'm there."
Source/Press Release - Big Buzz Media
