Valuev decisions Ruiz, wins title

BERLIN (December 18, 2005) – In a fight not televised in the U.S., Nicolay Valuev, aka the Beast from the East, decisioned WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz (41-6, 28 KOs) to became the biggest heavyweight champion in boxing history.

The seven-foot tall (2.13 meter), 324 lb. (157 kg) Valuev (44-0, 31 KOs) kept his unbeaten streak alive Saturday night, using his size and reach to negate the grab-and-hold tactics for which Ruiz is famous. Johnny could never figure out how to overcome the challenge Valuev presented without the aid of a stepladder.

("The Quietman" has been quieted a second time in two fights, Lights Out Toney’s steroid suspension at the end of fight one notwithstanding. Is the end of Ruiz at hand?)

Two judges scored it 116-113, 116-114 for Valuev; the third judge had it a 114-114 draw.

The crowd of 10,000 booed loudly when the verdict was announced. Ruiz's trainer/manager, the hotheaded Norman Stone, as if in response to the controversial decision, grabbed the belt away from Valuev and ran around the ring holding it over his head. That led to a fight between Stoney and a member of Team Valuev. No word yet on who won that tussle.