WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev: "Many journalists have said Nikolai Valuev is too big and too heavy for me. However, I have always answered: I am small, but venomous. Valuev was my strongest opponent up to now. My goal was always to become a world champion and I have reached this. Now my new goal defend the world title twice, three times, four times. Today was my day."

Chagaev's Promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl: "Today the illusion of Nikolai Valuev has been shattered. Ruslan has shown what he lacks. Today the boxing is the winner. It was a great fight."

Chagaev's Trainer Michael Timm: "Valuev has developed well as a boxer during the last few years, but today he did us the favor of attacking Ruslan. Then he has countered. This was our strategy and that's what Ruslan concentrated on throughout since everyone reckoned that Ruslan would attack and try for a KO."

Former world champion Nikolai Valuev: "Ruslan won. He was a few points in front. I made many mistakes. I stayed too stationary and didn't move enough. As a result, it didn't suffice."

Valuev's Promoter Wilfried Sauerland: "The condition of Ruslan Chagaev surprised me. I calculated that he would break down around the eighth round. He fought well. Nikolai's pressure came too late."

Valuev's Co-Promoter Don King: "The spectators and the sport of boxing are the big winners of this fight. He has brought excitement to heavyweight boxing again. This was a big step forwards. Now sanctioning bodies should get on the program so that there is one single world champion."