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Nikolai Valuev

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Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev (vah-LOO-yeff, Russian: Никола́й Серге́евич Валу́ев, IPA: [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 2.13 metres (7 ft) and a peak weight of 149 kilograms (328 lb), Valuev is best known for being the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history.[4][5]

Nikolai Valuev
Никола́й Валу́ев
Valuev in 2018
Member of the State Duma for Bryansk Oblast
Incumbent
Assumed office
12 October 2021
Preceded byBoris Paykin
ConstituencyBryansk (No. 77)
Member of the State Duma (Party List Seat)
In office
21 December 2011 – 12 October 2021
Personal details
Born (1973-08-21) 21 August 1973 (age 51)
Leningrad, RSFSR, USSR
SpouseGalina Valuyeva
Children1
EducationLesgaft National University
Moscow State University of Technology and Management
ReligionEastern Orthodox
Boxing career
NationalityRussian
Other names
  • Beast from the East
  • The Russian Giant
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height2.13 m (7 ft 0 in)[1][2][3][nb 1]
Reach213 cm (84 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights53
Wins50
Wins by KO34
Losses2
No contests1

Biography

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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

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Highlights

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

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

Professional career

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First reign as WBA heavyweight champion

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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

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Main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. Ruslan Chagaev
 
Valuev vs. Chagaev, 2007

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

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Valuev vs. Liakhovich

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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

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Valuev vs. Ruiz II

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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

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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

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Main article: Nikolai Valuev vs. David Haye
 
Valuev in 2009

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

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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

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Television career

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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

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Valuev with Igor Nikitin, 2011

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

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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

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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

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52 fights 50 wins 2 losses
By knockout 35 0
By decision 15 2
By disqualification 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round,time Date Location Notes
53 Loss 50–2 (1) David Haye MD 12 7 Nov 2009 Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany Lost WBA heavyweight title
52 Win 50–1 (1) Evander Holyfield MD 12 20 Dec 2008 Hallenstadion, Zürich, Switzerland Retained WBA heavyweight title
51 Win 49–1 (1) John Ruiz UD 12 30 Aug 2008 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Won vacant WBA heavyweight title
50 Win 48–1 (1) Siarhei Liakhovich UD 12 16 Feb 2008 Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany
49 Win 47–1 (1) Jean Francois Bergeron UD 12 29 Sep 2007 Small EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany Won NABA heavyweight title
48 Loss 46–1 (1) Ruslan Chagaev MD 12 14 Apr 2007 Porsche-Arena, Stuttgart, Germany Lost WBA heavyweight title
47 Win 46–0 (1) Jameel McCline RTD 3 (12), 3:00 20 Jan 2007 St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland Retained WBA heavyweight title
46 Win 45–0 (1) Monte Barrett TKO 11 (12), 2:12 7 Oct 2006 Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois, US Retained WBA heavyweight title
45 Win 44–0 (1) Owen Beck TKO 3 (12), 2:44 3 Jun 2006 TUI Arena, Hanover, Germany Retained WBA heavyweight title
44 Win 43–0 (1) John Ruiz MD 12 17 Dec 2005 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Won WBA heavyweight title
43 Win 42–0 (1) Larry Donald MD 12 1 Oct 2005 Small EWE Arena, Oldenburg, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
42 Win 41–0 (1) Clifford Etienne KO 3 (12) 14 May 2005 Oberfrankenhalle, Bayreuth, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
41 Win 40–0 (1) Attila Levin TKO 3 (12), 2:34 12 Feb 2005 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
40 Win 39–0 (1) Gerald Nobles DQ 4 (12), 0:42 20 Nov 2004 BigBox, Kempten, Germany Retained WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title;
Nobles disqualified for repeated holding
39 Win 38–0 (1) Paolo Vidoz TKO 9 (12), 2:33 9 Oct 2004 Messe, Erfurt, Germany Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
38 Win 37–0 (1) Richard Igbineghu TKO 6 (10), 1:50 24 Jul 2004 Brandenburg-Halle, Frankfurt, Germany Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental interim heavyweight title
37 Win 36–0 (1) Marcelo Domínguez UD 8 17 Apr 2004 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
36 Win 35–0 (1) Dicky Ryan TKO 1 (10), 2:43 28 Feb 2004 Mehrzweckhalle, Dresden, Germany
35 Win 34–0 (1) Otis Tisdale KO 1 (8) 4 Oct 2003 Stadthalle, Zwickau, Germany
34 Win 33–0 (1) Bob Mirovic UD 8 16 Aug 2003 Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
33 Win 32–0 (1) Vitali Shkraba TKO 4 (10) 18 Jul 2003 State Circus, Minsk, Belarus
32 Win 31–0 (1) Pedro Daniel Franco UD 12 15 Mar 2003 Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained PABA heavyweight title
31 Win 30–0 (1) Kostiantyn Pryziuk RTD 3 (10), 3:00 10 Oct 2002 Casino Conti Giant Hall, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained Russian heavyweight title
30 Win 29–0 (1) Taras Bidenko UD 12 21 Jul 2002 Seoul, South Korea Retained PABA heavyweight title
29 Win 28–0 (1) Yaroslav Zavorotnyi TKO 3 (10) 15 Jun 2002 Druzhba Arena, Donetsk Ukraine
28 Win 27–0 (1) Toakipa Tasefa UD 12 28 Sep 2001 Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained PABA heavyweight title
27 Win 26–0 (1) George Linberger TKO 1 (12), 1:20 30 Jun 2001 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Won vacant PABA heavyweight title
26 Win 25–0 (1) Vitali Shkraba TKO 4 (8) 6 Mar 2001 Arena CSKA, Moscow, Russia
25 Win 24–0 (1) Tone Fiso TKO 1 (12) 29 Oct 2000 Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained PABA interim heavyweight title
24 Win 23–0 (1) Yuriy Yelistratov UD 12 6 Jun 2000 Yubileyny Sports Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia Won vacant PABA interim heavyweight title
23 Win 22–0 (1) Yuri Nikolaev TKO 2 (6) 10 Mar 2000 Novosibirsk, Russia
22 Win 21–0 (1) Aleksei Varakin KO 1 (12), 1:30 15 Dec 1999 State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia Retained Russian heavyweight title
21 Win 20–0 (1) James McQueen KO 1 (6) 25 Jun 1999 Prague, Czech Republic
20 NC 19–0 (1) Andreas Sidon NC 6 7 May 1999 Prague, Czech Republic Referee left the ring before the end of the fight
19 Win 19–0 John Tupou TKO 4 (6), 1:16 13 Feb 1999 Ariake Colosseum, Tokyo, Japan
18 Win 18–0 Aleksei Osokin TKO 6 (10) 22 Jan 1999 Casino Conti Giant Hall, Saint Petersburg, Russia Won vacant Russia heavyweight title
17 Win 17–0 Evgeny Odolsky KO 1 (6) 19 Dec 1998 Tundra Bar, Saint Petersburg, Russia
16 Win 16–0 James Gaines UD 6 9 Jun 1998 State Circus, Moscow, Russia
15 Win 15–0 Jim Huffman TKO 2 (6), 0:37 14 Mar 1998 Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia
14 Win 14–0 Sinclair Babb TKO 1 (6), 2:50 6 Dec 1997 Stockland Stadium, Townsville, Australia
13 Win 13–0 Alarim Uysal TKO 2 8 Nov 1997 Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Germany
12 Win 12–0 Kevin Rosier KO 1 27 Sep 1997 State Circus, Moscow, Russia
11 Win 11–0 Aug Tanuvasa TKO 1 (6), 2:44 21 Aug 1997 Bankstown RSL Club, Sydney, Australia
10 Win 10–0 Rodney Harris PTS 4 26 Jul 1997 Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan
9 Win 9–0 Terrell Nelson TKO 2 (4), 1:26 31 May 1997 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
8 Win 8–0 Manao Navuilawa TKO 1 (4), 1:24 9 May 1997 Bankstown Sports Club, Sydney, Australia
7 Win 7–0 Patrick Slade TKO 1 (4), 1:59 21 Mar 1997 Parramatta RSL Club, Sydney, Australia
6 Win 6–0 Darren Fearn RTD 1 (6), 3:00 26 Nov 1996 York Hall, London, England
5 Win 5–0 Neil Kirkwood TKO 2 (4) 8 Oct 1996 Battersea Town Hall, London, England
4 Win 4–0 Sergei Anikeev KO 2 (4) 16 Feb 1995 State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia
3 Win 3–0 Aleksei Tsygankov KO 3 (4) 15 Apr 1994 State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia
2 Win 2–0 Aleksandr Vasiliev PTS 4 22 Feb 1994 State Circus, Saint Petersburg, Russia
1 Win 1–0 John Morton TKO 2 (4) 15 Oct 1993 Sporthalle, Schöneberg, Germany

Filmography

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  • 2001: The town – issue #89
  • 2003: Playing without rules – cameo
  • 2006: 7 Zwerge – Der Wald ist nicht genug – cameo
  • 2008: Rock Head – Yegor Golovin "Rock Head"
  • 2009: Path – a prisoner nicknamed "The Beast"
  • 2009: Fight without rules – Nicholas Shafts
  • 2011: Antique Watches – cameo
  • 2013: Bigfoot Files – himself

Notes

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  1. ^ Sources vary on his height, with some listing him as 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in).

References

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  1. ^ "Chagaev points win stuns Valuev". BBC Sport. BBC. 14 April 2007. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  2. ^ "Valuev ends Holyfield title dream". BBC Sport. BBC. 20 December 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  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" Archived 2018-06-14 at the Wayback Machine. livefight.com. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  5. ^ Alexander, George (12 January 2017). "Boxing Trivia". boxbets.co.uk. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  6. ^ "Размер имеет значение". Nevasport.ru. Archived from the original on 2008-12-07. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  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. ^ "Священник, бывший боксер-любитель, благословил Валуева на бой с Руизом".
  9. ^ Мои 12 раундов [My 12 rounds] (in Russian). TimeOut Moscow. Archived from the original on 6 July 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  10. ^ "Николай Валуев получил литературную премию за автобиографию – Бокс/MMA". Sports.ru. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  11. ^ "Valuev: "I faced with typical Russian boorishness aggravated with alcohol"". Rin.ru. 2007-01-21.
  12. ^ "NBC Sports |". Nbcsports.msnbc.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  13. ^ Rafael, Dan (2007-08-14). "Ex-champ Valuev to fight Bergeron in Germany". ESPN.
  14. ^ "Valuev dominates Liakhóvich! - World boxing - Boxing news". BoxNews.com.ua. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  15. ^ "Ruslan Chagaev". BoxRec.com. 1978-10-19. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  16. ^ Holyfield, 46, faces Valuev for heavyweight title Archived 2010-01-16 at the Wayback Machine, Associated Press, 20 December 2008.
  17. ^ Scott Christ (20 December 2008). "Holyfield robbed of win over sleepwalking Valuev". Bad Left Hook.
  18. ^ "Giant Nikolai Valuev did little to deserve victory over Evander Holyfield". ESPN.com. 22 December 2008.
  19. ^ "Boxing: WBA investigate Evander Holyfield and Nikolai Valuev fight | Sport". The Guardian. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  20. ^ "Loss to David Haye – BBC Website". BBC News. 2009-11-07. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  21. ^ "Valuev future in doubt". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
  22. ^ "Ex-champ Valuev talks Klitschko reign, Haye v Fury and retirement". Archived from the original on 2013-11-16. 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.
  23. ^ "7 Zwerge full cast". imdb.com. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
  24. ^ "Кинопанорама - Блог команды Николая Валуева - Бокс - Sports.ru". Archived from the original on May 28, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.
  25. ^ "Кинокартина с участием Валуева получила приз кинофестиваля "Окно в Европу" – Бокс/MMA". Sports.ru. 17 August 2008. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  26. ^ "Валуев снимается сразу в трех фильмах – Бокс/MMA". Sports.ru. 26 March 2008. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  27. ^ "Николай Валуев — новый ведущий "Спокойной ночи, малыши!"". Karusel TV. 2016-07-13.
  28. ^ "(2 чтение) ФЗ №186614-6 "О мерах воздействия на лиц, причастных к нарушению основополагающих прав и свобод человека, прав и свобод граждан РФ"".
  29. ^ "Валуев: нужно ехать на Олимпиаду и рвать всех назло этим гадам - Спорт FM". Archived from the original on 2017-12-24. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
  30. ^ Давлетшина, Лейсан (2022-09-29). "Депутат Николай Валуев сообщил о получении повестки из военкомата". Известия (in Russian). Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  31. ^ "Google Translate". Translate.google.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-07. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  32. ^ "Google Translate". Translate.google.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2017-03-07. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
  33. ^ "Russian bandy players blessed for victory at world championship in Kazan". Tatar-Inform. 2011-01-21. Archived from the original on 2012-04-24. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  34. ^ Николай Валуев открыл школу бокса в Петербурге [Nikolai Valuev opened a boxing school in Peterburg] (in Russian). Baltinfo. 27 September 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
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Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Nikolay Kulpin 		Russia heavyweight champion
22 January 1999 – June 2000
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Alexey Osokin
Vacant
Title last held by
Justin Fortune 		PABA heavyweight champion
Interim title
6 June 2000 – 30 June 2001
Won full title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Taras Bidenko
Vacant
Title last held by
Kirk Johnson 		PABA heavyweight champion
30 June 2001 – July 2004
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Rob Calloway
New title WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion
Interim title
24 July 2004 – 20 November 2004
Won full title 		Title discontinued
Vacant
Title last held by
Wladimir Klitschko 		WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion
20 November 2004 – 17 December 2005
Won world title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Ruslan Chagaev
Preceded by NABA heavyweight champion
29 September 2007 – November 2007
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Friday Ahunanya
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBA heavyweight champion
17 December 2005 – 14 April 2007 		Succeeded by
Ruslan Chagaev
Vacant
Title last held by
Ruslan Chagaev 		WBA heavyweight champion
30 August 2008 – 7 November 2009 		Succeeded by
Records
Preceded by
Henry Akinwande
and
Vitali Klitschko
2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
 Tallest world champion
2.14 m (7 ft 0 in)
17 December 2005 – present 		Incumbent
Previous:
Primo Carnera vs.
Tommy Loughran
84 lb (38 kg) 		Largest weight disparity in a title match
105.5 lb (47.9 kg) vs. Monte Barrett
7 October 2006 – present
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