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WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev and challenger Owen Beck staged a public workout today in advance of their collision Saturday night at the TUI Arena in Hannover, Germany. Valuev worked the mits with trainer Manuel Gabrielian while Beck did the same with James Johnson.
88 pounds lighter and nearly eight inches shorter than the seven-foot champion, Beck is optimistic about his chances. "Naturally I want to take the belt back to America, and I believe that I'll do it," stated Beck. "I've not worried about Valuev's size, although it is impressive. I thought at first 'there's a basketball player coming.' However, this will be the fight of my life on Saturday."
The Russian giant stated "I have the belt and I will defend it. I've had good training and feel healthy and fit. I will not say my tactics against Owen Beck -- that you'll see in the ring."
On Saturday, recording artist Ronan Keating will perform his hit "Iris" during Valuev's ringwalk. Michael Buffer will be brought in to do the ring introductions.
Can anyone think of any more unusual music artist entrances ? I remember rapper Mystikal doing Cliiford Ettienne's entrance for Mike Tyson fight. 'Danger' indeed.