Nikolai Valuev Defends WBA Title against Evander Holyfield : Pictures

Nikolai Valuev against Evander Holyfield for the WBA Title

Russia's 7-feet Nikolai Valuev successfully defended his WBA title on Saturday night with a majority decision win over former world champion Evander Holyfield over 12 rounds.

Despite a brave display Evander Holyfield, who was bidding for his fifth world crown, the judges scored it 114-114, 116-112, 115-114 in Valuev's favour as the giant Russian successfully defended his title.

The seven foot Nikolai Valuev remained on the front foot as there was a big exchange during the ninth, and in the 10th Holyfield landed a strong right-left combination. Valuev finished better and pushed his opponent in the corner in the 12th .

After the final bell, both men hugged each other, with either fighter claiming the win. When the scorecards were read, boos rang out as the crowd favorite's narrow defeat was confirmed.


"Of course I am disappointed," Holyfield (42-10-2) told the Associated Press. "I thought I had done enough to get the win. Now I have to go home and think about my future."

Image Courtesys: Google AFP & The Associated Press