By Gregory Stangrit

Former world middleweight champion, 32-year old Russian fighter Dmitry Pirog (20-0, 15KOs) is still hoping to return to the ring. He made serious noise when he blasted out Daniel Jacobs in five rounds back in July of 2010. He made several defenses and had a big fight lined up in 2012 against IBO/WBA champion Gennady Golovkin on HBO, but continued back injuries have prevented his return to the ring.

"A return to the ring in August is possible. We are on time so far, because the few times I have come across this: it would seem, I feel good, but at a high load [when training my body doesn't react well]. Therefore, the most important thing right now - is to see how the body will react under heavy loads. Doctors do not rule out that my body can return to normal. I can only say that my interest in boxing is not lost. I have not given up. I will put my best effort forward to ensure that the boxing fans once again see me in the ring," Pirog said.

Gregory Stangrit covers boxing for Sportbox.ru