Sports story by sports.co.uk, Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:21:27 GMT



American doctors want the world heavyweight title fight between Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev to be called off over fears Chagaev could give the IBF and WBO champion Hepatitis B. The American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians are worried for the safety of the fighters but Klitschko is intent on boxing.Uzbek southpaw Chagaev was due to fight Nikolai Valuev last month before he was diagnosed with the virus.


An AAPRP statement read: "Hepatitis B is easily transmitted.


"It is even more important to be prudent in order to not only protect Mr. Chagaev's opponent, but also the referee, judges, sanctioning body officials, cornermen, ringside physicians and ringside observers who may be at risk of contracting this dangerous virus.


"As boxing is obviously considered a 'blood sport', it is very common for blood to splatter on the individuals immediately adjacent at ringside.


"The conjunctiva (eye) route of transfer for this virus is well documented so any person seated at ringside, who is not immunised, may be at risk."


Klitschko, however, is adamant the fight should go ahead and claims there is no chance he can contract the virus.


"I am inoculated," said Klitschko. "Since I often travel in my role as an UNESCO Ambassador, I am often in the tropical institute getting injections."


Chagaev has stepped in to take on the 33-year-old at the Gelsenkirchen stadium after a back injury ruled out British challenger David Haye.


Klitschko was due to fight British star David Haye before a back injury ruled the Londoner out of the clash.