Russian Claims Heavyweight Title
Nikolay Valuev has become the first Russian to win the WBA heavyweight title on Saturday night at Berlin's Max Schmeling Halle. He beat John Ruiz, the defending champ, in a stubborn fight. Ruiz’s team protested, and only securities prevented a brawl on the ring.
Nikolay Valuev won the WBA heavyweight title on a close majority decision over John Ruiz scoring 116-114, 116-113 and 114-114. There were no knockdowns and most ringsiders supposed that it was a difficult fight to score. Ruiz made a fast, aggressive start and seemed to be faster than the Russian but soon lost his aggression as the fight went on. Basically, Valuev controlled the fight and was strong enough on the inside to out wrestle Ruiz.
The victory, however, was scandal-pocked. The points decision was jeered and the Ruiz’s coach Norman Stone was so outraged that he grabbed the belt and threw insults at Valuev’s camp, after which he was led from the ring by security staff.
Valuev’s wife, Galina, was also present at the match. She had been only three or four times at his husband’s bout and it is always hard for her to watch Nikolay fight. But sitting at home is even worse, she said, beaming from happiness for her husband’s long-awaited triumph.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Dec. 19, 2005
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