Nikolay Valuev recorded a unanimous points win over veteran American John Ruiz in Berlin to regain the WBA heavyweight title.
Giant Russian gets the better of veteran Ruiz to reclaim WBA strap
Nikolay Valuev recorded a unanimous points win over American John Ruiz in Berlin to regain the WBA heavyweight title.
The giant Russian claimed back the belt he lost to Ruslan Chagaev last year, though only just after some interesting scoring by the judges.
There was slight confusion after the fight when a split decision was announced. After reviewing the issue, the verdict was officially changed to a unanimous decision.
Judge Takeshi Shimakawa had given the last round to Valuev but WBA supervisor Robert Mack had accidentally counted it for Ruiz. It was then officially changed to 114-113 for Valuev.
The Russian dominated for long periods of the 12-round contest as he went on to celebrate another victory over Ruiz after beating the same opponent back in 2005 to become world champion.
Ruiz had been left furious by the verdict from the first fight but could have few complaints second time around, even if he did have the odd glimmer of hope.
Marched forward
Attempting to march forwards and work up close against his much taller rival, the 36-year-old did manage to land some solid blows to the chin.
Yet his success proved fleeting as Valuev's massive reach advantage made sure he could never sustain his attacks and put the pressure on.
Instead the 35-year-old recorded his 48th victory in his 50th professional fight working behind a probing jab that rarely failed to find the target.
He cut Ruiz in the middle rounds and could even afford to lose a point for holding on. Both fighters tired badly in the closing stages as it became clear the judges would have to decide who the winner was.
Valuev's triumph sets up a likely re-match with Chagaev, the only man to have beaten him so far. The fighter from Uzbekistan was forced to give up the strap when an injury prevented him from defending it.
