Giant Russian Nikolai Valuev v John Ruiz
Giant Russian Nikolai Valuev v John Ruiz
The Russian Giant clinched a unanimous points victory over the 36-year-old as he was ahead 116-111, 116-113 and 114-113 on the scorecards.
The 7ft Valuev took the verdict on all of the judges’ scorecards – 116-111, 116-113 – and 114-113.
That was enough to give Valuev the vacant WBA belt, a title he had previously held before losing it to Ruslan Chagaev last year.
Valuev made good use of his size advantage, but Ruiz plodded forward nonetheless and did manage to land the odd solid blow.
Valuev’s probing jab kept the bigger man in control and he cut his opponent in the middle rounds.
As in their first fight, there was plenty of clinching and as Valuev seemed to tire in the latter stages, he received a warning in the 10th round for holding.
“I am not sure whether I was better than in the first fight or not but I was quicker,” Valuev said.
“I am happy to have the belt back but I could have done better tonight.”
There was a slight confusion after the fight when a split decision was announced. After reviewing the issue, the verdict was officially changed to a unanimous decision.
“I apologise for the mistake,” the WBA supervisor Robert Mack stated. “It was my fault.”
Judge Takeshi Shimakawa had given the last round to Valuev but Mack had accidentally counted it for Ruiz. It was then officially changed to 114-113 for Valuev.
Valuev’s success sets up a likely re-match with Chagaev, the only man to have beaten him so far. He was forced to give up the belt due to injury.
