BERLIN, Aug 31: Russian giant Nikolai Valuev regained the WBA heavyweight world title, which he lost last year to Ruslan Chagaev, in a split decision over America’s John Ruiz here on Saturday night.

Valuev was awarded the fight by two of the three judges to secure his 49th win, while this was the eighth defeat of 36-year-old Ruiz’s 16-year career.

At 2.13m tall and weighing in at 144kg, Valuev was 36kg heavier and dwarfed his American opponent, who had twice previously held the WBA heavyweight crown. This was the second time the pair have clashed and the second time Valuev has beaten Ruiz on points.

“I was quicker, but he did a good job and he didn’t let me fight my usual fight,” said the new champion Valuev. “I’d like to box Ruiz again.”

In December 2005, the 35-year-old Russian beat the United States fighter to win the WBA heavyweight crown in Berlin, only to lose his title in April 2007 on points against Uzbekistani Chagaev — the sole defeat of his career.

Valuev will now face Chagaev in an obligatory defence by June 2009 after the former champion was forced to relinquish his crown through injury earlier this year.

“I am not too disappointed, I fought well here and I like boxing in Berlin, I hope for another chance at the title,” said Ruiz later.

After an even first couple of rounds, Valuev landed a heavy punch on Ruiz’s jaw in the third which had the American on the back foot.

The Russian began the fourth round in similar style and, with nearly a foot height advantage, was rarely troubled by Ruiz, who started to show signs of battle from a cut above the nose and could not breech Valuev’s defence.

By the start of the seventh, Ruiz was tiring and taking heavy punishment from the Russian who chose his shots at will at Berlin’s Max Schmeling Halle.

Ruiz hit the canvas briefly in the tenth when he slipped and Valuev gave him a helping hand, but the Hispanic fighter was soon back on his feet.—AFP