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Nikolai Valuev

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Nikolai Valuev
Никола́й Валу́ев
Valuev in 2018
Born
Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev

(1973-08-21) 21 August 1973 (age 51)
Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
NationalityRussian
Other names
  • Beast from the East
  • The Russian Giant
  • The Bideford Bruiser
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height2.13 m (7 ft 0 in)[1][2][3][nb 1]
Reach216 cm (85 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights53
Wins50
Wins by KO34
Losses2
No contests1

Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev (vah-LOO-yev, Russian: Никола́й Серге́евич Валу́ев, IPA: [vɐˈlujɪf]; born 21 August 1973) is a Russian politician and former professional boxer.[4] He competed in boxing from 1993 to 2009, and held the WBA heavyweight title twice between 2005 and 2009. Standing at a height of 2.13 metres (7.0 ft) and a peak weight of 149 kilograms (328 lb), Valuev is best known for being the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history.[5][6]

Biography

Valuev was born on 21 August 1973, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia).[7] He is of ethnic Russian descent, but he also had a Tatar grandfather. Although his own parents are short—both 1.67 m (5.5 ft) tall—his Tatar great-grandfather has been described as "of mountainous proportions" and "a warrior giant of Russian folklore." His own size and appearance are due to gigantism complicated by acromegaly.[8] Valuev has three children, daughter Irina, son Grisha (Grigoriy), and third child, son Sergei (born 30 July 2012). In his professional boxing career he was defeated only twice, by Ruslan Chagaev and David Haye.

Valuev is a Russian Orthodox Christian.[9] During his youth he played water polo and basketball.

Valuev has written a book in Russian called My 12 Rounds, with the help of prominent Russian sports journalist Konstantin Osipov.[10] The book discusses his life in general and his boxing career in particular. For that book, Valuev received an award from the government of Saint Petersburg.[11] The book was presented in Saint Petersburg on 5 February 2007.

In January 2006, Valuev was accused of assaulting a security guard at the Spartak Ice Palace in Saint Petersburg. No criminal investigation was launched by local police.[12][13]

Amateur career

Highlights

Russian National Championships (+91 kg), Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 1994:

Goodwill Games (+91 kg), Saint Petersburg, July 1994:

Valuev is one of a few boxers to try to resume his amateur career after the original pro debut.

Professional career

First reign as WBA heavyweight champion

In 2005, Valuev squared off with WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz, and won a twelve-round majority-decision, becoming both the tallest (2.13 m or 7 ft) and heaviest (323 lbs) champion in boxing history.[14] In his first defence he defeated challenger Owen Beck (25–3, 18 KOs) by a third-round technical knockout in Hannover, Germany. In October 2006, Valuev fought Monte Barrett and defeated him with a technical knockout in the 11th round. In January 2007, Valuev fought Jameel McCline (38–6–3, 23 KOs) in St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland. Valuev won the match, successfully defending his title, after McCline was not able to continue the bout after injuring his knee when throwing a punch near the end of the 3rd round.

Valuev vs. Chagaev

Valuev vs. Chagaev, 2007

The title defence was held on 14 April 2007. Chagaev defeated Valuev by a majority decision (117–111, 115–113 and 114–114).

Valuev changed trainers, from Manuel Gabrielian to Alexander Zimin, who coached the old Soviet Union amateur boxing team. On 29 September 2007, Valuev won against Jean-Francois Bergeron in Oldenburg, Germany, by a 12-round unanimous decision (118–111 on all three cards).[15]

Second reign as WBA champion

Valuev vs. Liakhovich

On 16 February 2008, in a title eliminator, Valuev defeated former titleholder Siarhei Liakhovich, winning every round at the Nuremberg Arena in Germany.[16] The victory earned Valuev the right to face Chagaev for the WBA title again, the only man who had defeated him in his boxing career. He was scheduled to face Chagaev for his WBA title on 5 July 2008, but Chagaev pulled out with an injury. Valuev instead fought John Ruiz for the vacant title on 30 August 2008 and the WBA decided to make Chagaev "Champion In Recess". Valuev defeated Ruiz by unanimous decision to regain the WBA heavyweight championship, with Valuev and Chagaev set to fight no later than 26 June 2009 to determine whom the WBA regarded as their champion.[17] Their scheduled rematch on 30 May 2009 was cancelled due to Chagaev's viral infection and on 24 July 2009, when the WBA published their Official Ratings as of June 2009, Chagaev was no longer the "Champion In Recess" but the No. 1 challenger instead.

Valuev vs. Holyfield

Main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. Evander Holyfield

Valuev's first title defense of his second reign as WBA Champion was against the 46-year-old, four-time heavyweight champion of the world, Evander Holyfield, on 20 December 2008. Before the match, Valuev weighed 310.8 pounds (141 kg), nearly 100 pounds heavier than Holyfield at 214.3 pounds (97 kg).[18] After a rather uneventful match with no knockdowns and few punches thrown by either fighter, Valuev won a widely disputed majority decision.[19][20] In response to the controversial result the WBA announced plans to investigate the decision.[21]

Loss to Haye

Main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. David Haye
Valuev in 2009

In his second defense on 7 November 2009, billed as 'David vs. Goliath', Valuev faced off against former unified and lineal cruiserweight champion David Haye (22-1, 21 KOs) at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung in Nuremberg. Valuev lost on points (114–114, 116–112, 116–112).[22]

Retirement from boxing and health problems

Valuev announced his retirement from boxing in a Russian newspaper three days after the loss to Haye on 10 November 2009.

In 2010, Valuev's doctor went on record saying that he is treating Valuev for "serious bone and joint problems".[23] Valuev underwent two operations that required at least six months on the sidelines.

Valuev confirmed in 2013 that medical advice was one of the reasons he is not planning to make a comeback in boxing.[24]

Valuev is one of five heavyweight champions to have retired without having suffered a stoppage loss during his career. The others are Gene Tunney, Rocky Marciano, Riddick Bowe and Sultan Ibragimov.

Personal Life

Acting career and advertising

Valuev's first role in a film was a cameo appearance in the German film 7 Zwerge – Der Wald ist nicht genug in 2006.[25] In 2008, Valuev played the main role in the film Stonehead by Philip Yankovskiy, playing an ex-boxer who lost his memory.[26] The film took the main prize at the film festival "Window to Europe".[27] After the success of Stonehead, it was announced Valuev is being filmed in two new films at the same time.[28]

Valuev has participated in several photo and video advertisements of various products and services. In November 2009, he signed a promotional contract with a German sausage manufacturer, making Valuev the face of the company's advertisement campaign for five years.[citation needed] Nikolai Valuev is also planning to open a family restaurant in Germany. In August 2010, Valuev signed a promotional contract with the Pokerstars poker portal.[citation needed]

Valuev's distinctive appearance and fame have occasionally attracted the use of his images in advertising without his permission. In particular, a cinema in Penza, which for some time before screening a film, had an advertisement where Valuev acts as a man who punishes the audience disturbing others.[citation needed] Valuev, upon learning about this, sued the cinema for damages amounting to 2 million rubles. In 2011, Valuev was involved in the advertising power of "Interskol" as well as in advertisements with MTS.[citation needed]

In August 2016 Valuev became a presenter in “Good Night, Little Ones!”, Russia’s long-running TV program for small children.[29]

Political career

Valuev with Igor Nikitin, 2011

In December 2011 Russian parliamentary election, Valuev became a member of the State Duma through the United Russia Party. On 17 December 2012, Valuev supported[30] the law in the Russian Parliament banning adoption of Russian orphans by citizens of the US.

Following the IOC's decision to suspend Russia from participating in the Olympics under its flag due to the Russian state-sponsored doping scandal, Valuev said that Russia should go to the Olympics and "tear everyone apart to spite these bastards who want to kill our sport."[31]

Involvement in other sports

In 2011, Valuev became the general manager of the Russia national bandy team, and is tasked with developing the sport in the country.[32][33] He is also the Vice-President of the Russian Bandy Federation.[34] Bandy is considered a national sport in Russia.[35]

Nikolai Valuev Boxing School and Youth Sports Foundation

In 2009, Valuev, together with a group of coaches, created the Nikolay Valuev Boxing School, with offices in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast. The school is divided into three types of age groups: pupils (school terms 3-5), students (terms 6-8) and adults. School pupils participate and compete in various boxing matches, including the "Valuev Cup" youth boxing tournament, which became a regular competition in Saint Petersburg.[36]

The Valuev Youth Sports Foundation opened on 13 September 2010. The fund was established to promote regular physical exercise among young people to enable children of different social backgrounds play sports, to further their education and strengthen the principles of sport, as well as spread the ideals of sports into other areas.[citation needed]

Professional boxing record

53 fights 50 wins 2 losses
By knockout 34 0
By decision 15 2
By disqualification 1 0
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
53 Loss 50–2 (1) United Kingdom David Haye MD 12 7 Nov 2009 Germany Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany Lost WBA heavyweight title
52 Win 50–1 (1) United States Evander Holyfield MD 12 20 Dec 2008 Switzerland Hallenstadion, Zürich, Switzerland Retained WBA heavyweight title
51 Win 49–1 (1) United States John Ruiz UD 12 30 Aug 2008 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Won vacant WBA heavyweight title
50 Win 48–1 (1) Belarus Siarhei Liakhovich UD 12 16 Feb 2008 Germany Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany
49 Win 47–1 (1) Canada Jean Francois Bergeron UD 12 29 Sep 2007 Germany Small EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany Won WBA–NABA heavyweight title
48 Loss 46–1 (1) Uzbekistan Ruslan Chagaev MD 12 14 Apr 2007 Germany Porsche-Arena, Stuttgart, Germany Lost WBA heavyweight title
47 Win 46–0 (1) United States Jameel McCline RTD 3 (12), 3:00 20 Jan 2007 Switzerland St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland Retained WBA heavyweight title
46 Win 45–0 (1) United States Monte Barrett TKO 11 (12), 2:12 7 Oct 2006 United States Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois, US Retained WBA heavyweight title
45 Win 44–0 (1) Jamaica Owen Beck TKO 3 (12), 2:44 3 Jun 2006 Germany TUI Arena, Hanover, Germany Retained WBA heavyweight title
44 Win 43–0 (1) United States John Ruiz MD 12 17 Dec 2005 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Won WBA heavyweight title
43 Win 42–0 (1) United States Larry Donald MD 12 1 Oct 2005 Germany Small EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
42 Win 41–0 (1) United States Clifford Etienne KO 3 (12) 14 May 2005 Germany Oberfrankenhalle, Bayreuth, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
41 Win 40–0 (1) Sweden Attila Levin TKO 3 (12), 2:34 12 Feb 2005 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
40 Win 39–0 (1) United States Gerald Nobles DQ 4 (12), 0:42 20 Nov 2004 Germany BigBox, Kempten, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title;
Nobles disqualified for repeated holding
39 Win 38–0 (1) Italy Paolo Vidoz TKO 9 (12), 2:33 9 Oct 2004 Germany Messe, Erfurt, Germany Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
38 Win 37–0 (1) Nigeria Richard Igbineghu TKO 6 (10), 1:50 24 Jul 2004 Germany Brandenburg-Halle, Frankfurt, Germany Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental interim heavyweight title
37 Win 36–0 (1) Argentina Marcelo Domínguez UD 8 17 Apr 2004 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
36 Win 35–0 (1) United States Dicky Ryan TKO 1 (10), 2:43 28 Feb 2004 Germany Mehrzweckhalle, Dresden, Germany
35 Win 34–0 (1) United States Otis Tisdale KO 1 (8) 4 Oct 2003 Germany Stadthalle, Zwickau, Germany
34 Win 33–0 (1) Australia Bob Mirovic UD 8 16 Aug 2003 Germany Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
33 Win 32–0 (1) Belarus Vitali Shkraba TKO 4 (10) 18 Jul 2003 Belarus State Circus, Minsk, Belarus
32 Win 31–0 (1) Argentina Pedro Daniel Franco UD 12 15 Mar 2003 Russia Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained PABA heavyweight title
31 Win 30–0 (1) Ukraine Kostiantyn Pryziuk RTD 3 (10), 3:00 10 Oct 2002 Russia Casino Conti Giant Hall, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained Russian heavyweight title
30 Win 29–0 (1) Ukraine Taras Bidenko UD 12 21 Jul 2002 South Korea Seoul, South Korea Retained PABA heavyweight title
29 Win 28–0 (1) Ukraine Yaroslav Zavorotnyi TKO 3 (10) 15 Jun 2002 Ukraine Druzhba Arena, Donetsk Ukraine
28 Win 27–0 (1) New Zealand Toakipa Tasefa UD 12 28 Sep 2001 Russia Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained PABA heavyweight title
27 Win 26–0 (1) United States George Linberger TKO 1 (12), 1:20 30 Jun 2001 United States Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Won vacant PABA heavyweight title
26 Win 25–0 (1) Belarus Vitali Shkraba TKO 4 (8) 6 Mar 2001 Russia Arena CSKA, Moscow, Russia
25 Win 24–0 (1) New Zealand Tone Fiso TKO 1 (12) 29 Oct 2000 Russia Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained PABA interim heavyweight title
24 Win 23–0 (1) Ukraine Yuriy Yelistratov UD 12 6 Jun 2000 Russia Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Won vacant PABA interim heavyweight title
23 Win 22–0 (1) Russia Yuri Nikolaev TKO 2 (6) 10 Mar 2000 Russia Novosibirsk, Russia
22 Win 21–0 (1) Russia Aleksei Varakin KO 1 (12), 1:30 15 Dec 1999 Russia State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained Russian heavyweight title
21 Win 20–0 (1) United States James McQueen KO 1 (6) 25 Jun 1999 Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic
20 NC 19–0 (1) Germany Andreas Sidon NC 6 7 May 1999 Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic NC after the referee left the ring before the end of the fight
19 Win 19–0 Tonga John Tupou TKO 4 (6), 1:16 13 Feb 1999 Japan Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan
18 Win 18–0 Russia Aleksei Osokin TKO 6 (10) 22 Jan 1999 Russia Casino Conti Giant Hall, Saint Petersburg, Russia Won vacant Russia heavyweight title
17 Win 17–0 Russia Evgeny Odolsky KO 1 (6) 19 Dec 1998 Russia Tundra Bar, Saint Petersburg, Russia
16 Win 16–0 United States James Gaines UD 6 9 Jun 1998 Russia State Circus, Moscow, Russia
15 Win 15–0 United States Jim Huffman TKO 2 (6), 0:37 14 Mar 1998 Russia Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia
14 Win 14–0 United States Sinclair Babb TKO 1 (6), 2:50 6 Dec 1997 Australia Stockland Stadium, Townsville, Australia
13 Win 13–0 Turkey Alarim Uysal TKO 2 8 Nov 1997 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Germany
12 Win 12–0 United States Kevin Rosier KO 1 27 Sep 1997 Russia State Circus, Moscow, Russia
11 Win 11–0 Australia Aug Tanuvasa TKO 1 (6), 2:44 21 Aug 1997 Australia Bankstown RSL Club, Sydney, Australia
10 Win 10–0 United States Rodney Harris PTS 4 26 Jul 1997 Japan Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan
9 Win 9–0 United States Terrell Nelson TKO 2 (4), 1:26 31 May 1997 United States Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
8 Win 8–0 Fiji Manao Navuilawa TKO 1 (4), 1:24 9 May 1997 Australia Bankstown Sports Club, Sydney, Australia
7 Win 7–0 American Samoa Patrick Slade TKO 1 (4), 1:59 21 Mar 1997 Australia Parramatta RSL Club, Sydney, Australia
6 Win 6–0 United Kingdom Darren Fearn RTD 1 (6), 3:00 26 Nov 1996 United Kingdom York Hall, London, England
5 Win 5–0 United Kingdom Neil Kirkwood TKO 2 (4) 8 Oct 1996 United Kingdom Battersea Town Hall, London, England
4 Win 4–0 Russia Sergei Anikeev KO 2 (4) 16 Feb 1995 Russia State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia
3 Win 3–0 Russia Aleksei Tsygankov KO 3 (4) 15 Apr 1994 Russia State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia
2 Win 2–0 Russia Aleksandr Vasiliev PTS 4 22 Feb 1994 Russia State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia
1 Win 1–0 United States John Morton TKO 2 (4) 15 Oct 1993 Germany Sporthalle, Schöneberg, Germany Professional debut

Filmography

  • 2001: The town – issue #89
  • 2003: Playing without rules – cameo
  • 2006: 7 Zwerge – Der Wald ist nicht genug – cameo
  • 2008: Rock Head – Yegor Golovin "Rock Head"
  • 2009: Path – a prisoner nicknamed "The Beast"
  • 2009: Fight without rules – Nicholas Shafts
  • 2011: Antique Watches – cameo
  • 2013: Bigfoot Files – himself

Notes

  1. ^ Sources vary on his height, with some listing him as 2.18 m (7.2 ft)

References

  1. ^ "Chagaev points win stuns Valuev". BBC Sport. BBC. 14 April 2007. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  2. ^ "Valuev ends Holyfield title dream". BBC Sport. BBC. 20 December 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  3. ^ Davies, Gareth A (6 November 2009). "David Haye v Nikolai Valuev: speed the key as Briton aims to topple the 'Russian Giant'". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  4. ^ "Name: VALUEV, NIKOLAI SIGNED PHOTO CARD (JSA)". Jo Sports Inc.
  5. ^ Jones, Michael J (24 June 2013). "Giants of the ring; the ten tallest heavyweight champions in history: Part Two". livefight.com. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  6. ^ Alexander, George (12 January 2017). "Boxing Trivia". boxbets.co.uk. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  7. ^ "Размер имеет значение". Nevasport.ru. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  8. ^ Mitchell, Kevin (5 November 2009). "David Haye must land body blows to cut Nikolai Valuev down to size".The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
  9. ^ "Священник, бывший боксер-любитель, благословил Валуева на бой с Руизом".
  10. ^ Мои 12 раундов [My 12 rounds] (in Russian). TimeOut Moscow. Archived from the original on 6 July 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  11. ^ "Николай Валуев получил литературную премию за автобиографию – Бокс/MMA". Sports.ru. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  12. ^ "Valuev: "I faced with typical Russian boorishness aggravated with alcohol"". Rin.ru. 2007-01-21.
  13. ^ "Russia's 'Beast from the East' in security guard assault scandal". RIA Novosti. 2006-01-26.
  14. ^ "NBC Sports |". Nbcsports.msnbc.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  15. ^ Rafael, Dan (2007-08-14). "Ex-champ Valuev to fight Bergeron in Germany". ESPN.
  16. ^ "Valuev dominates Liakhóvich! - World boxing - Boxing news". BoxNews.com.ua. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  17. ^ "Ruslan Chagaev". BoxRec.com. 1978-10-19. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  18. ^ Holyfield, 46, faces Valuev for heavyweight title Archived 2010-01-16 at the Wayback Machine, Associated Press, 20 December 2008.
  19. ^ Scott Christ (20 December 2008). "Holyfield robbed of win over sleepwalking Valuev". Bad Left Hook.
  20. ^ "Giant Nikolai Valuev did little to deserve victory over Evander Holyfield". ESPN.com.
  21. ^ "Boxing: WBA investigate Evander Holyfield and Nikolai Valuev fight | Sport". The Guardian. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  22. ^ "Loss to David Haye – BBC Website". BBC News. 2009-11-07. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  23. ^ "Valuev future in doubt". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
  24. ^ "Ex-champ Valuev talks Klitschko reign, Haye v Fury and retirement". Archived from the original on 2013-11-16. Through care, as well as health and medical recommendations, I was advised that fighting would not be good for me and so I will stay retired.
  25. ^ "7 Zwerge full cast". imdb.com. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
  26. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on May 28, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  27. ^ "Кинокартина с участием Валуева получила приз кинофестиваля "Окно в Европу" – Бокс/MMA". Sports.ru. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  28. ^ "Валуев снимается сразу в трех фильмах – Бокс/MMA". Sports.ru. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  29. ^ "Николай Валуев — новый ведущий «Спокойной ночи, малыши!»". Karusel TV. 2016-07-13.
  30. ^ "(2 чтение) ФЗ №186614-6 "О мерах воздействия на лиц, причастных к нарушению основополагающих прав и свобод человека, прав и свобод граждан РФ"".
  31. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-12-24. Retrieved 2017-12-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  32. ^ "Google Translate". Translate.google.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-07. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  33. ^ Sputnik (22 December 2011). "'Beast from the East' welcomed into national bandy team setup". Archived from the original on 8 July 2012.
  34. ^ "Google Translate". Translate.google.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2017-03-07. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  35. ^ "Russian bandy players blessed for victory at world championship in Kazan". Tatar-Inform. 2011-01-21. Archived from the original on 2012-04-24. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  36. ^ Николай Валуев открыл школу бокса в Петербурге [Nikolai Valuev opened a boxing school in Peterburg] (in Russian). Baltinfo. 27 September 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Nikolay Kulpin 		Russia heavyweight champion
22 January 1999 – June 2000
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Alexey Osokin
Vacant
Title last held by
Justin Fortune 		PABA heavyweight champion
Interim title
6 June 2000 – 30 June 2001
Won full title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Taras Bidenko
Vacant
Title last held by
Kirk Johnson 		PABA heavyweight champion
30 June 2001 – July 2004
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Rob Calloway
New title WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion
Interim title
24 July 2004 – 20 November 2004
Won full title 		Title discontinued
Vacant
Title last held by
Wladimir Klitschko 		WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion
20 November 2004 – 17 December 2005
Won world title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Ruslan Chagaev
Preceded by WBA–NABA
heavyweight champion
29 September 2007 – November 2007
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Friday Ahunanya
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBA heavyweight champion
17 December 2005 – 14 April 2007 		Succeeded by
Ruslan Chagaev
Vacant
Title last held by
Ruslan Chagaev 		WBA heavyweight champion
30 August 2008 – 7 November 2009 		Succeeded by
Records
Preceded by
Henry Akinwande
and
Vitali Klitschko
2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
 Tallest world champion
2.14 m (7 ft 0 in)
17 December 2005 – present 		Incumbent
Previous:
Primo Carnera vs. Tommy Loughran
84lbs 		Biggest weight disparity in a title match
86lbs vs. John Ruiz
December 17, 2005 - present
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Nikolai_Valuev&oldid=963155334"