Boxing in Germany: John Ruiz Loses Controversial Split Decision To Nikolay Valuev

After having been awarded several controversial decision victories during title fights, WBA Heavyweight Champion John Ruiz found himself on the losing end last night at Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin after seven foot tall Russian challenger Nikolay Valuev walked off with a split decision win. It was like many Ruiz fights, all clinching and mauling, as the Massachussets man tried to keep the towering Valuev from gaining room to make use of a vastly superior reach. Still, Valuev was able to find a home at times for the jab but it was his solid work in the middle rounds that likely swayed the judges and a sizzling cross to the chin that staggered Ruiz as the fight came to a close probably cemented the victory for the gigantic St. Petersburg man. A furious Ruiz has demanded a rematch and will reportedly petition the WBA to bring that about.