By Matt Stein: Former WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (26-1-1, 17 KO’s) fights on November 19th against a still to be determined opponent in a loaded card at the Universum Gym, Wandsbek, Hamburg, Germany. Chagaev, 32, is looking to become the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association heavyweight champion David Haye. Chagaev held the WBA title from April 2007 to July 4th 2008. Chagaev was unable to continue to defend the title due to a mixture of illnesses and injuries.

In June 2009, Chagaev challenged IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko for his titles in Germany. However, Wladimir easily won by a 9th round TKO. Chagaev then defeated Kali Meehan by a 12 round unanimous decision in May 2010 in a WBA heavyweight title eliminator match. Chagaev is hoping to get a shot against Haye as soon as possible, but may have to wait awhile before he finally gets a shot, if he ever does. Haye could be beaten in his next fight against Audley Harrison on November 13th.

Also on the card will be unbeaten heavyweight contender Denis Boytsov (27-0, 22 KO’s) against a still to be determined opponent. Boytsov, 24, has been out of action since January of this year with a hand injury. The injury has recently healed and he’s now ready to resume his promising career. Boytsov is one of the best heavyweights in the division, and it’s going to be interesting to see what he can do in the next couple of years.

2008 Olympic Gold Medalist for Russia Rakhim Chakhkiev (6-0, 5 KO’s) will also be on the undercard against an opponent to be named later. Chakhkiev, 27, has looked good since turning pro in 2009, stopping five of six with his brute power style of fighting. Chakhkiev is a fighter to keep an eye on in the future. He still has a lot of improvements to make but he’s looking really good thus far.

Rounding out the card will be former WBO super middleweight champion Karoly Balzsay vs. TBA, Jack Culcay vs. Alexey Ribchev, Manuel Charr vs. TBA.