world domination a tall order for valuev

Thu 30 Mar, 5:09 AM


The "Beast" may be a giant, but the giant is not necessarily a beast.

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Outside the ring, at least.

Much has been said and written about Nikolay Valuev, the recently-crowned WBA heavyweight champion, since he became the biggest and tallest title-holder of all time.

"King Kong", "living freak show" and "Beast from the East" are the most common references to the Russian who steps over - not through - the ropes when he enters the ring.

At 7ft and 23st, Valuev certainly boasts an intimidating physical presence - but does that make him a beast?

"This is the one question the whole world is currently asking me," Valuev told PA Sport in Berlin. "Everyone is trying to give me a Beast-tag. But it simply does not work."

Much on the contrary. The Beast, unbeaten in 43 fights (31 KOs), is a caring family man who will not be mis-treated in the way 1930s side-show freak Primo Carnera was.

"My family is the most important thing in my life," Valuev said. "It is the greatest gift I have got. My marriage seven years ago touched my soul and helped me to gain further stability."

Certainly, his wife Galya and three-year-old son Grisha are his weak spot.

Earlier this year in January, Russian media reports suggested Valuev had beaten up a security guard who had made fun of his wife.

"He insulted her and therefore he insulted me," said the 32-year-old, insisting he never threw a punch.

"Can you imagine what would have happened if I had hit him? The whole thing has been blown out of proportion by the press."

Valuev's popularity has exploded since becoming the first heavyweight champion in a sports nation like Russia. But for the better part of his life, he has been treated differently. His sheer size is so impressive that it is the main topic everywhere he goes.

"I'm used to it and it doesn't bother me. There's not much I can do about it," said Valuev.

"It's like with dust in apartments. It is always there and it always comes back - there's nothing you can do about it."

Don King has been the latest to jump on the Valuev bandwagon, not surprisingly though. The outlandish American promoter is reportedly owning a 50% share of his next four fights after the Russian tore the WBA belt away from John Ruiz in Berlin on December 17.

King has promised to "bring King Kong to the States", "promote him as the eighth world wonder" and "put him on the top of the Empire State Building".

Asked what he thought about King's derisive remarks, Valuev replied in style.

"Now that would be fun (sitting on the Empire Sate Building). I'm used to looking at everything from the top. It would not be a new experience for me.

"Don King is a man who knows how to do things in his best personal interest. Maybe I fit his plans, but maybe I don't. I am not sure where my next fights will be staged."

Return visits to Germany, Russia and America all seem likely destinations for the man who has also fought in Japan, Australia, the Czech Republic and even England.

"I really liked London," Valuev said. "It's a great city and I hope to visit it again soon. I would love to see Stonehenge.

"However, all I can remember about my two fights there is that they were very short."

In fact, he wasted no time to destroy Neil Kirkwood (second-round stoppage) and Darren Fearn (first-round win) back in 1996.

Valuev, who rates the Beatles among his favourite bands, has only a limited memory of his former promoter Frank Maloney.

He said with a rare smile: "All I remember about him is what he looks like. We haven't really communicated much during the time I fought for him. And all contractual issues were resolved by my manager Oleg Shalaev. I never really got in the way in those things."

Valuev's career never took off until he joined mighty German promoter Wilfried Sauerland in 2003. Sauerland eventually paved his way to the world title by setting up an eliminator with Larry Donald followed by the clash with John Ruiz.

Knee surgery forced Valuev to postpone his first title defence from April 1 to June 3. Owen Beck seems a likely opponent for the bout in Hannover.

Next up, according to Sauerland, might be a fight in London on August 19 - with Danny Williams a potential opponent.

Even for someone like the Beast, it is a long way to greatness.

FIGHTER OF THE WEEK: Junior Witter, who will finally be granted a second world title shot this year against DeMarcus Corley for the WBC light-welterweight belt.

LEGEND OF THE WEEK: Lloyd Honeyghan, who 18 years ago this week became the first British boxer since Ted 'Kid' Lewis in 1917 to regain a world title, beating Jorge Vaca of Mexico with a knockout in the third round of their WBC welterweight bout at Wembley.

Already cced you mate but good read. I feel for him abit, I mean he must get stared at everywhere and even if he wins a match, his size is all that is discussed.However, is it me or is he nowehere near as intimidating as he should be for a man of his size?? I mean he is big but is he scary??

he's more like a big cuddly bear really.....at least thats what ruiz thought ;D