“Valuev was born on August 21, 1973 in Saint Petersburg, and at age 20 started in boxing, after practicing disk launching and basketball.

On December 17, 2005 he beat the Puerto Rican John Ruiz by split decision and won the WBA belt that he could successfully defend three times until his national, Ruslan Chagaev, won by points on 2007.

He repeated against Ruiz in 2009, for the vacant title fight and won by unanimous decision, and held that title until November 2009, when lost against the British Dave Haye. After that defeat, the “Russian giant” announced his retirement with personal mark of 50 won fights, 34 KO´s, and two defeats.

He was an excellent athlete and a faithful friend of the WBA. Congratulations to the Russian Giant in his his birthday.