Nicolay Valuev vs John Ruiz II

Nikolai Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs) reclaimed the vacant WBA heavyweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over fellow former titleholder John Ruiz (43-9-1, 29 KOs) on Saturday night at the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, Germany. Valuev won their first meeting by majority decision in December 2005, and in the rematch Valuev was also a close winner. The seven-foot Valuev piled up points with his much improved long jab throughout the fight. Ruiz was occasionally able to get inside and was quite willing to trade power shots with the "Russian Giant," although their infighting regularly turned into a clinch, especially as the bout progressed. Valuev had a point deducted bt referee Derek Milham for pushing Ruiz down in round ten. Ruiz had his best rounds late after Valuev slowed down, but it was Valuev who prevailed by scores of 116-111, 116-113 and 114-113. The bout was originally announced as a split decision, but later ammended to a unanimous verdict.