June, 26, 2007
Former WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev has added Alexander Zimin to his coaching staff. "I want to win my title back and therefore I had to change something," Valuev said. "Alexander will help us a lot. He is a great addition, especially as far as tactics are concerned." Long-time coach Manuel Gabrielian will keep his position and remain in charge of the daily training. "We have a very close relationship and I still have a lot of confidence in Manuel," the Russian Giant stated. "To have an experienced coach such as Alexander in our corner will help the both of us." Valuev was full of praise for his new coach. "He has produced a lot of champions in the lower weight divisions," lauded the Russian Giant. "He is extremely knowledgeable and he is a great tactician". Zimin made himself a name as an amateur coach in the former Soviet Union before switching to professional boxing in 1990. Two years later, his fighter Juri Arbatschatov won the WBC flyweight title. One year later Orsubek Nasarov also became a flyweight world champion. It is Zimin´s goal to help Valuev win back the WBA belt. "I am sure that he will lift me to the next level," Valuev stated.
Valuev suffered the first loss of his career on April 14 when mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev clinched a majority decision in Stuttgart. It spelled Valuev´s first defeat in 48 fights (34 KOs). However, the 33-year-old has no doubts he will bounce back from the darkest hour of his career. He has already returned to practice in St. Petersburg. His comeback is scheduled for the end of September, but venue and opponent have yet to be confirmed.
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