Boxing News Boxing News
Today is the 41st birthday of former heavyweight world champion Nikolai Valuev, and the World Boxing Association family sends its best wishes to the “Russian Giant” on his birthday.
Valuev was born on August 21, 1973 in Saint Petersburg, and at age 20 started in boxing, after practicing disk launching and basketball.
On December 17, 2005 he beat Puerto Rico’s John Ruiz by split decision and won the WBA belt that he would successfully defend three times until Ruslan Chagaev defeated him by points in 2007.
He rematched against Ruiz in 2009, for the vacant title, and won by unanimous decision, and held that title until November 2009, when lost against Britain’s Dave Haye.
After that defeat, the “Russian Giant” announced his retirement with a record of 50-2 (34).
Valuev was an excellent athlete and a faithful friend of the WBA. Congratulations to the Russian Giant in his his birthday.
