Nikolai Valuev

Nikolai "The Beast From The East" Valuev is a Russian-born WBA Heavyweight champion boxer who weighs in at over 300 pounds and stands at over 7 feet.

On December 20, 2008, Holyfield lost to Valuev by a majority decision. Holyfield was hoping to become the oldest heavyweight champion ever. One judge scored the bout a draw while the other judges scored the bout 116-112 and 115-114 for Valuev.ESPN.com: Valuev defends WBA title with majority decision(December 20, 2008)

Pro Career

Ruiz first won the WBA championship on December 17, 2005, in a victory over John Ruiz. Valuev successfully defended his championship for several years until he lost the belt to Ruslan Chagaev in a 12 round majority decision on April 14, 2007. Valuev earned a second shot at the title in a match against John Ruiz on August 30, 2008. Valuev defeat Ruiz by unanimous decision. Ruiz is scheduled to fight Evander Holyfield on December 20, 2008.BoxRec.com: Nikolay Valuev

Challenge from Klitschko Brothers

On November 3, 2008, the Klitschko brothers challenged Nikolai Valuev for the WBA boxing champion . Valuev owns the only heavyweight belt not held by one of the Klitschko brothers. Vitali states it doesn't matter which brother faces Valuev, the goal for the family is to own all the belts in the division. ESPN.com: Klitschkos seek to further unify family hold on heavyweight division

Evander Holyfield fight

On December 20, 2008, Valuev fought the former heavyweight champion of the world, Evander Holyfield. Holyfield at the age of 46 was hoping to become the oldest person ever to win a heavyweight belt. Many boxing experts criticized Valuev for taking on the aging former champion. Valuev responded to the criticism by stating, I don't think (age) is going to play a big role. We are just two boxers who will fight one another. Only that matters."SI.com: Holyfield: I'm ready for the title (December 15, 2008)

Holyfield lost to Valuev by a majority decision. One judge scored the bout a draw while the other judges scored the bout 116-112 and 115-114 for Valuev.ESPN.com: Valuev defends WBA title with majority decision(December 20, 2008)