Nikolai Valuev facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nikolai Valuev
Никола́й Валу́ев
Valuev in 2018
Member of the State Duma for Bryansk Oblast
Incumbent
Assumed office 12 October 2021
Preceded by	Boris Paykin
Constituency	Bryansk (No. 77)
Member of the State Duma (Party List Seat)
In office 21 December 2011 – 12 October 2021
Personal details
Born	(1973-08-21) 21 August 1973 (age 51) Leningrad, RSFSR, USSR
Spouse	Galina Valuyeva
Children	1
Education	Lesgaft National University Moscow State University of Technology and Management
Religion	Eastern Orthodox
Nikolai Valuev Statistics Nickname(s) Beast from the East The Russian Giant Rated at Heavyweight Height 2.13 m (6 ft 12 in) Reach 216 centimetres (85 in) Nationality Russian Stance Orthodox Boxing record Total fights 53 Wins 50 Wins by KO 34 Losses 2 No contests 1

Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev (vah-LOO-yeff; born 21 August 1973) is a Russian politician and a former professional boxer. He boxed from 1993 to 2009. During this time, he won the WBA heavyweight title twice. Valuev is famous for being the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history. He stands at 2.13 meters (7 feet) tall and weighed up to 151 kilograms (333 pounds) during his career.

About Nikolai Valuev

Nikolai Valuev was born on August 21, 1973, in Leningrad, which was then part of the Soviet Union. His family is mostly Russian. While his parents are of average height, his great-grandfather was known for being very tall. Valuev's own large size is due to a condition called gigantism, which means he grew much taller than most people.

Valuev is a Christian and follows the Russian Orthodox faith.

He wrote a book in Russian called My 12 Rounds. This book shares stories about his life and his boxing career. The city of Saint Petersburg even gave him an award for his book.

Valuev's Boxing Journey

Starting as an Amateur Boxer

Before becoming a professional, Valuev competed as an amateur boxer. In May 1994, he took part in the Russian National Championships. He also competed in the 1994 Goodwill Games in Saint Petersburg in July 1994. In both events, he lost to another Russian boxer named Alexei Lezin.

Becoming a Professional Boxer

Valuev started his professional boxing career in 1993. He quickly became known for his size and strength.

First Time as WBA Champion

In 2005, Valuev fought John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight championship. Valuev won the fight, becoming the tallest (2.13 meters or 7 feet) and heaviest (147 kg or 324 lbs) champion in boxing history.

Valuev vs. Chagaev, 2007

His first title defense was against Ruslan Chagaev on April 14, 2007. Chagaev won the fight, and Valuev lost his title. After this loss, Valuev changed his boxing coach. He then won his next fight against Jean-Francois Bergeron in September 2007.

Getting the Title Back

In February 2008, Valuev won a fight against Siarhei Liakhovich. This win meant he could challenge Chagaev again for the WBA title. However, Chagaev got injured, so Valuev fought John Ruiz again for the vacant title on August 30, 2008. Valuev won this fight, becoming the WBA heavyweight champion for the second time.

Defending His Title

Valuev's first defense of his second title was against Evander Holyfield on December 20, 2008. Holyfield was 46 years old at the time. Valuev won the fight, but some people disagreed with the decision.

Valuev in 2009

On November 7, 2009, Valuev defended his title against David Haye. This fight was called "David vs. Goliath" because of the size difference between the two boxers. Valuev lost the fight to Haye.

Retiring from Boxing

Valuev announced his retirement from boxing a few days after losing to Haye in November 2009. In 2010, doctors said he had some bone and joint problems. Valuev later confirmed in 2013 that medical advice was one of the main reasons he decided not to return to boxing.

Life Outside the Ring

Acting and TV Shows

Valuev has appeared in several films. His first small role was in a German movie in 2006. In 2008, he played the main character in a film called Stonehead, where he acted as a boxer who lost his memory. This movie won an award.

In August 2016, Valuev became a TV presenter for Good Night, Little Ones!, a popular Russian children's TV show.

Becoming a Politician

In December 2011, Valuev became a member of the State Duma, which is part of the Russian Parliament. He joined the United Russia Party.

Involvement in Other Sports

In 2011, Valuev became the general manager of the Russia national bandy team. Bandy is a sport similar to ice hockey, and it's very popular in Russia. He also serves as the Vice-President of the Russian Bandy Federation.

Nikolai Valuev Boxing School

In 2009, Valuev helped create the Nikolay Valuev Boxing School. It has locations in Saint Petersburg and the surrounding area. The school teaches boxing to different age groups, from young pupils to adults. Students from the school compete in various boxing events, including the "Valuev Cup" youth boxing tournament.

Professional Boxing Record

Film and TV Roles

• 2001: The town – issue #89
• 2003: Playing without rules – cameo
• 2006: 7 Zwerge – Der Wald ist nicht genug – cameo
• 2008: Rock Head – Yegor Golovin "Rock Head"
• 2009: Path – a prisoner nicknamed "The Beast"
• 2009: Fight without rules – Nicholas Shafts
• 2011: Antique Watches – cameo
• 2013: Bigfoot Files – himself

See also

In Spanish: Nikolái Valúyev para niños