Ruslan Chagaev outpointed Nikolai Valuev in a split decision Saturday to take the 7-foot Russian's WBA heavyweight title.

The Uzbekistan fighter, who calls himself "White Tyson," gave away 11 inches and 90 pounds to Valuev.

But in the fourth round, he solved Valuev's jab that had kept him at bay. After that, the fight turned into a slugfest, the kind Chagaev -- a busy fighter -- wanted.

The judges ruled it 117-11 and 115-113 for Chagaev, while the third called it 114-114.

The 28-year-old Chagaev, a former amateur world champion, ran his record to 23-0-1.

Chagaev ended Valuev's bid to break Rocky Marciano's record of going 49-0 without a defeat. The Russian is 46-1 with a no decision.

The 33-year-old Russian had won his first three defenses inside the distance, often jabbing his smaller opponents from outside.

But the 28-year-old Chagaev grew bolder after the fourth when he lunged inside and caught Valuev with a left and short right to the temple.

He won the next three rounds before Valuev hit him with several quick shots to take the eighth.

The two fighters stood toe-to-toe in the 12th trading punches, with Valuev taking a hard left just before the bell. Chagaev threw up his arms, signaling victory.

Chagaev used unorthodox methods to get a feel for Valuev's size, including trainer Michael Timm standing on a box during training.

"I know a thing or two about beating bigger favored opponents," Chagaev said.

As an amateur, he was one of the few to beat Cuba's Felix Savon, a 6-5 fighter. Chagaev became the No. 1 WBA mandatory challenger after a November split decision win against John Ruiz.

AP