Nikolai Valuev Explained

Nikolai Valuev
Office:Member of the State Duma for Bryansk Oblast
Term Start:12 October 2021
Predecessor:Boris Paykin
Constituency:Bryansk (No. 77)
Office1:Member of the State Duma (Party List Seat)
Term Start1:21 December 2011
Term End1:12 October 2021
Birth Date:21 August 1973
Birth Place:Leningrad, RSFSR, USSR
Blank1:Religion
Data1:Eastern Orthodox
Spouse:Galina Valuyeva
Children:3
Education:Lesgaft National University
Moscow State University of Technology and Management
Module:
Embed:yes
Nickname:
  • Beast from the East
  • The Russian Giant
Weight:Heavyweight
Height:[1] [2] [3]
Reach:213cm (84inches)
Nationality:Russian
Style:Orthodox
Total:53
Wins:50
Ko:34
Losses:2
No Contests:1

Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev (Russian: Никола́й Серге́евич Валу́ев|p=vɐˈlujɪf; born 21 August 1973) is a Russian politician and former professional boxer. He competed in boxing from 1993 to 2009, and held the WBA heavyweight title twice between 2005 and 2009. Standing at a height of 2.13m (06.99feet) and a peak weight of 149kg (328lb), Valuev is best known for being the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history.[4] [5]

Biography

Valuev was born on 21 August 1973, in Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia).[6] He is of mostly Russian descent, and had a Tatar grandfather. Although his own parents are short—both 1.68m (5'6") 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.[7]

Valuev is a Russian Orthodox Christian.[8]

Valuev has written a book in Russian called My 12 Rounds, with the help of Russian sports journalist Konstantin Osipov.[9] 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.[10]

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.[11]

Amateur career

Highlights

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

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

Professional career

First reign as WBA heavyweight champion

See main article: John Ruiz vs. Nikolai Valuev. In 2005, Valuev squared off with WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz, and won a twelve-round majority-decision, becoming both the tallest (7 ft or 2.13 m) and heaviest (323 lbs or 147 kg) champion in boxing history.[12]

Valuev vs. Chagaev

See main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. Ruslan Chagaev. The title defense 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).[13]

Between title reigns

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.[14] 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.

Second reign as WBA champion

Valuev vs. Ruiz II

See main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. John Ruiz II. 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.[15] The scores were 114–113, 116–113, and 116–111. The result was initially declared a split decision win for Valuev with the 114–113 score by ringside judge Takeshi Shimakawa was announced in favor of Ruiz rather than for Valuev. One of the scorecards had the names of the fighters in opposite order, resulting in the confusion. The decision was once again unpopular with the live crowd, as some booed the outcome, much like in the first bout.

Valuev vs. Holyfield

See 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).[16] After a rather uneventful match with no knockdowns and few punches thrown by either fighter, Valuev won a widely disputed majority decision.[17] [18] In response to the controversial result the WBA announced plans to investigate the decision.[19]

Loss to Haye

See main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. David Haye. 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 by a majority decision (114–114, 116–112, 116–112).[20]

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".[21] 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.[22]

Outside of boxing

Television career

Valuev's first role in a film was a cameo appearance in the German film 7 Zwerge – Der Wald ist nicht genug in 2006.[23] In 2008, Valuev played the main role in the film Stonehead by Philip Yankovskiy, playing an ex-boxer who lost his memory.[24] The film took the main prize at the film festival "Window to Europe".[25] After the success of Stonehead, it was announced Valuev was being filmed in two new films at the same time.[26]

In August 2016, Valuev became a presenter on Good Night, Little Ones!, Russia's long-running TV program for small children.[27] He replaced Dmitry Malikov as the host.

Political career

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[28] 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."[29]

In September 2022, Valuev revealed he had been drafted to serve in the Russian armed forces.[30]

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.[31] He is also the Vice-President of the Russian Bandy Federation.[32] Bandy is considered a national sport in Russia.[33]

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.[34]

Professional boxing record

ResultRecordOpponent TypeRound,timeDate Location Notes
53Loss50–2 David HayeMD127 Nov 2009
52Win50–1 Evander HolyfieldMD1220 Dec 2008
51Win49–1 John RuizUD1230 Aug 2008
50Win48–1 Siarhei LiakhovichUD1216 Feb 2008
49Win47–1 Jean Francois BergeronUD1229 Sep 2007
48Loss46–1 Ruslan ChagaevMD1214 Apr 2007
47Win46–0 Jameel McClineRTD3 (12), 20 Jan 2007
46Win45–0 Monte BarrettTKO11 (12), 7 Oct 2006
45Win44–0 Owen BeckTKO3 (12), 3 Jun 2006
44Win43–0 John RuizMD1217 Dec 2005
43Win42–0 Larry Donald121 Oct 2005
42Win41–0 Clifford EtienneKO3 (12)14 May 2005
41Win40–0 Attila LevinTKO3 (12), 12 Feb 2005
40Win39–0 Gerald Nobles4 (12), 20 Nov 2004
39Win38–0 Paolo VidozTKO9 (12), 9 Oct 2004
38Win37–0 Richard IgbineghuTKO6 (10), 24 Jul 2004
37Win36–0 Marcelo DomínguezUD817 Apr 2004
36Win35–0 Dicky RyanTKO1 (10), 28 Feb 2004
35Win34–0 Otis TisdaleKO1 (8)4 Oct 2003
34Win33–0 Bob MirovicUD816 Aug 2003
33Win32–0 Vitali ShkrabaTKO4 (10)18 Jul 2003
32Win31–0 Pedro Daniel FrancoUD1215 Mar 2003
31Win30–0 Kostiantyn PryziukRTD3 (10), 10 Oct 2002
30Win29–0 Taras BidenkoUD1221 Jul 2002
29Win28–0 Yaroslav ZavorotnyiTKO3 (10)15 Jun 2002
28Win27–0 Toakipa TasefaUD1228 Sep 2001
27Win26–0 George LinbergerTKO1 (12), 30 Jun 2001
26Win25–0 Vitali ShkrabaTKO4 (8)6 Mar 2001
25Win24–0 Tone FisoTKO1 (12)29 Oct 2000
24Win23–0 Yuriy YelistratovUD126 Jun 2000
23Win22–0 Yuri NikolaevTKO2 (6)10 Mar 2000
22Win21–0 Aleksei VarakinKO1 (12), 15 Dec 1999
21Win20–0 James McQueenKO1 (6)25 Jun 1999
2019–0 Andreas SidonNC67 May 1999
19Win19–0John TupouTKO4 (6), 13 Feb 1999
18Win18–0Aleksei OsokinTKO6 (10)22 Jan 1999
17Win17–0Evgeny OdolskyKO1 (6)19 Dec 1998
16Win16–0James Gaines69 Jun 1998
15Win15–0Jim HuffmanTKO2 (6), 14 Mar 1998
14Win14–0Sinclair BabbTKO1 (6), 6 Dec 1997
13Win13–0Alarim UysalTKO28 Nov 1997
12Win12–0Kevin RosierKO127 Sep 1997
11Win11–0Aug TanuvasaTKO1 (6), 21 Aug 1997
10Win10–0Rodney HarrisPTS426 Jul 1997
9Win9–0Terrell NelsonTKO2 (4), 31 May 1997
8Win8–0Manao NavuilawaTKO1 (4), 9 May 1997
7Win7–0Patrick SladeTKO1 (4), 21 Mar 1997
6Win6–0Darren Fearn1 (6), 26 Nov 1996
5Win5–0Neil KirkwoodTKO2 (4)8 Oct 1996
4Win4–0Sergei AnikeevKO2 (4)16 Feb 1995
3Win3–0Aleksei Tsygankov3 (4)15 Apr 1994
2Win2–0Aleksandr Vasiliev422 Feb 1994
1Win1–0John Morton2 (4)15 Oct 1993

Filmography

Notes and References

  1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/6550727.stm "Chagaev points win stuns Valuev"
  2. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7789825.stm "Valuev ends Holyfield title dream"
  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. 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.
  5. Alexander, George (12 January 2017). "Boxing Trivia". boxbets.co.uk. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  6. Web site: Размер имеет значение . Nevasport.ru . 2016-05-25 . 2008-12-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081207032254/http://www.nevasport.ru/articles.php?id=9895 . dead .
  7. 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.
  8. Web site: Священник, бывший боксер-любитель, благословил Валуева на бой с Руизом.
  9. Web site: http://www.timeout.ru/books/event/64862/. ru:Мои 12 раундов. My 12 rounds. TimeOut Moscow. ru. 21 May 2013. dead. https://archive.today/20130706104139/http://www.timeout.ru/books/event/64862/. 6 July 2013.
  10. Web site: Николай Валуев получил литературную премию за автобиографию – Бокс/MMA . 19 December 2007 . Sports.ru . 2010-07-28.
  11. Web site: Valuev: "I faced with typical Russian boorishness aggravated with alcohol". Rin.ru. 2007-01-21.
  12. Web site: NBC Sports | . Nbcsports.msnbc.com . 2016-05-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121011144102/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/10509688/ . 2012-10-11 . dead .
  13. Web site: Ex-champ Valuev to fight Bergeron in Germany. ESPN. Rafael, Dan. 2007-08-14.
  14. Web site: Valuev dominates Liakhóvich! - World boxing - Boxing news . BoxNews.com.ua . 2016-05-25.
  15. Web site: Ruslan Chagaev . BoxRec.com . 1978-10-19 . 2016-05-25.
  16. http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28314887/ Holyfield, 46, faces Valuev for heavyweight title
  17. Web site: Holyfield robbed of win over sleepwalking Valuev. Scott Christ. 20 December 2008. Bad Left Hook.
  18. Web site: Giant Nikolai Valuev did little to deserve victory over Evander Holyfield. ESPN.com. 22 December 2008 .
  19. News: Boxing: WBA investigate Evander Holyfield and Nikolai Valuev fight | Sport . . 2016-05-25.
  20. News: Loss to David Haye – BBC Website . BBC News . 2009-11-07 . 2010-05-20.
  21. Web site: Valuev future in doubt . Sky Sports . 25 August 2010.
  22. Web site: Ex-champ Valuev talks Klitschko reign, Haye v Fury and retirement . 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. . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131116130634/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/news/2013/11/13/ex-champ-valuev-talks-klitschko-reign-haye-v-fury-and-retirement.html . 2013-11-16 .
  23. Web site: 7 Zwerge full cast . imdb.com . 2012-11-03.
  24. Web site: Кинопанорама - Блог команды Николая Валуева - Бокс - Sports.ru . May 27, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080528024601/http://www.sports.ru/blog/valuev/4817695.html . May 28, 2008 .
  25. Web site: Кинокартина с участием Валуева получила приз кинофестиваля "Окно в Европу" – Бокс/MMA . 17 August 2008 . Sports.ru . 2010-07-28.
  26. Web site: Валуев снимается сразу в трех фильмах – Бокс/MMA . 26 March 2008 . Sports.ru . 2010-07-28.
  27. Web site: Николай Валуев — новый ведущий "Спокойной ночи, малыши!". Karusel TV. 2016-07-13.
  28. Web site: (2 чтение) ФЗ №186614-6 "О мерах воздействия на лиц, причастных к нарушению основополагающих прав и свобод человека, прав и свобод граждан РФ".
  29. Web site: Валуев: нужно ехать на Олимпиаду и рвать всех назло этим гадам - Спорт FM . 2017-12-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171224214510/https://sportfm.ru/news/valuev-nuzhno-ekhat-na-olimpiadu-i-rvat-vsekh-nazlo-etim-gadam.html . 2017-12-24 . dead .
  30. Web site: Давлетшина . Лейсан . 2022-09-29 . Депутат Николай Валуев сообщил о получении повестки из военкомата . 2023-02-02 . Известия . ru.
  31. Web site: Google Translate. Translate.google.com. 2016-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20170307081339/https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fvaluevsport.ru. 2017-03-07. dead.
  32. Web site: Google Translate . Translate.google.co.uk . 2016-05-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170307084922/https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rg.ru%2F2012%2F11%2F08%2Fhokkei.html&prev=%2Fsearch%3Fq%3D%25D1%2585%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BA%25D0%25BA%25D0%25B5%25D0%25B9%2B%25D1%2581%2B%25D0%25BC%25D1%258F%25D1%2587%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BC%2B%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BC%25D0%25BF%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B9%25D1%2581%25D0%25BA%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B9%26hl%3Den%26tbo%3Dd%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D545&sa=X&ei=3GLSUNzCKYWM4gSN2oDYDA&ved=0CDQQ7gEwAA . 2017-03-07 . dead .
  33. Web site: Russian bandy players blessed for victory at world championship in Kazan. 2011-01-21. Tatar-Inform. 2009-08-31. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120424230703/http://eng.tatar-inform.ru/news/2011/01/21/33986/. 2012-04-24.
  34. Web site: http://www.baltinfo.ru/2010/09/27/Nikolai-Valuev-otkryl-shkolu-boksa-v-Peterburge-164232. ru:Николай Валуев открыл школу бокса в Петербурге. Nikolai Valuev opened a boxing school in Peterburg. Baltinfo. ru. 27 September 2010. 21 May 2013.