By Alexey Potapov

WBA heavyweight champion "in recess", Ruslan Chagaev, sat down with BoxingScene.com to discuss his recovery from the recent surgery to repair an injury to his achilles tendon, his thoughts on the upcoming rematch between Nikolai Valuev and John Ruiz - who collide on Saturday for the vacant WBA regular title, and a future fight with Wladimir Klitschko.

BoxingScene.com: Hello, Ruslan, I'm glad to see you again. How do you feel? How  is the recovery process?

Chagaev: Hello, Alex. I'm in a good mood, everything is going well. My foot is getting better from day to day. I am highly motivated.

BoxingScene.com: What have the doctors told you about when you can resume training?

Chagaev: In about two weeks I can change the special shoe [on my foot] to a normal sports shoe and then it's possible to carefully begin normal training. It' still my target to be in the ring at the end of this year.

BoxingScene.com: Your thoughts on the upcoming fight with Valuev and Ruiz. Who do you think will win?

Chagaev: In my opinion the better boxer should win - for me the best [outcome] would be a victory for Valuev because I want to fight him.

BoxingScene.com: You would rather fight with Valuev than Ruiz?

Chagaev: Valuev, because unfortunateIy I had to cancel the two scheduled dates for our fight because of my illness in May and then the accident with my left foot at the end of June.

BoxingScene.com: Where will you begin your preparations for a return to the ring?

Chagaev: Still in Hamburg with my coach Michael Timm. At the moment it's still a home for me and my family.

BoxingScene.com: When will you begin preparations for a fight?

Chagaev: Finally this will be clear after the first weeks of my regular training.

BoxingScene.com: Right now, a lot of people want the heavyweight division to have one absolute world champion. Do you want it?

Chagaev: I always said [I wanted it] and it's still my target. I'm still the WBA world champion and I will be the champion of all four associations - I want these four belts!

BoxingScene.com: Have you considered a possible fight against WBO/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko? Are you ready for such a fight?

Chagaev: If I want to be the champion with all four belts, I also have to fight the actual champion - Wladimir Klitschko.

BoxingScene.com: Do you agree what Wladimir Klitschko is the best heavyweight boxer?

Chagaev: For my goal, I have to beat Wladimir Klitschko - so after the fight that question will be answered.

BoxingScene.com: What are your thoughts concerning ring return by Vitali Klitschko and what do estimate are his chances in the fight against WBC heavyweight champion Sam Peter?

Chagaev: Both have good skills and good chances to win. Who wins is still an open topic.

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