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Valuev denies Holyfield a fifth world heavyweight championship
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ZURICH: Evander Holyfield wanted to win a heavyweight boxing championship for a fifth time. But Nikolai Valuev ruined that plan by narrowly defending his WBA title, by majority decision.
The 46-year-old American started the fight brightly Saturday, moving around the ring to neutralize the long reach advantage enjoyed by Valuev.
The Russian boxer stands 7 feet, or 2.14 meters, and weighs 325 pounds, or 148 kilograms, making him the tallest and heaviest champion ever. Valuev struggled to chase down Holyfield for much of fight but began asserting his jab in the later rounds.
One judged scored the bout a draw, while the others had Valuev winning, 116-112 and 115-114.
"Of course I am disappointed," Holyfield said. "I thought I had done enough to get the win. Now I have to go home and think about my future."
Today in Sports
Rooney's goal makes United world championTitans gain top seeding in AFC with rout of SteelersMadrid teams benefit from contrasting decisionsHolyfield (42-10-2) was attempting to become the oldest heavyweight champion. He had not fought since losing a one-sided decision to then-WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov more than a year ago.
Holyfield was criticized for this latest comeback attempt, but he looked in great shape and was never seriously hurt.
Valuev (51-1) has avoided the top heavyweights and did little to improve his standing in the division. He was vulnerable to right hooks by Holyfield, even if the Russian also was never stunned.
"He made me work very hard for the win," said Valuev, the overwhelming favorite and underwhelming winner. "Holyfield was unbelievable with his speed. The fight was fought at a great tempo for the whole 12 rounds."
Holyfield was the busier fighter, and his footwork reduced the effect of the few punches thrown by Valuev.
The Russian carried a weight advantage of almost 100 pounds and planted himself in the center of the ring. He usually failed to cut off Holyfield or unleash punches of power.
Holyfield appeared to accept the decision. Still, he offered only grudging praise of his conqueror.
"His hands are not as slow as everyone thinks they are," Holyfield said.
The first defense of the WBA title by Valuev was the biggest victory on a résumé that includes no fights against the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali, who hold the other major heavyweight belts.
Ken Sanders, manager of Holyfield, asked Valuev to offer a rematch. The Russian's management said it was possible sometime next year.
Holyfield, 0-4-1 in his last five championship fights, said he hoped for another chance at a title.
"I'm not really interested in fighting just to fight," he said. "I'm interested in being the undisputed champion again."
He was last the undisputed champion - owner of the WBC, WBA and IBF titles - in 1992.
Holyfield is struggling with financial problems and may try to use this better-than-expected result to score a big payday against another champion or Riddick Bowe, who has made a comeback.
Holyfield won one of three epic battles against Bowe in the 1990s, and beat Buster Douglas, George Foreman and Mike Tyson twice to become a dominating figure in boxing.
The fight was at Hallenstadion in front of 12,500 largely pro-Holyfield fans who gave his entrance a standing ovation. Valuev was booed, and there were even scattered whistles while the Russian national anthem played. The fans similarly showed their displeasure when the judges' scorecards were read out.
The 46-year-old American started the fight brightly Saturday, moving around the ring to neutralize the long reach advantage enjoyed by Valuev.
The Russian boxer stands 7 feet, or 2.14 meters, and weighs 325 pounds, or 148 kilograms, making him the tallest and heaviest champion ever. Valuev struggled to chase down Holyfield for much of fight but began asserting his jab in the later rounds.
One judged scored the bout a draw, while the others had Valuev winning, 116-112 and 115-114.
"Of course I am disappointed," Holyfield said. "I thought I had done enough to get the win. Now I have to go home and think about my future."
Today in Sports
Rooney's goal makes United world championTitans gain top seeding in AFC with rout of SteelersMadrid teams benefit from contrasting decisionsHolyfield (42-10-2) was attempting to become the oldest heavyweight champion. He had not fought since losing a one-sided decision to then-WBO champion Sultan Ibragimov more than a year ago.
Holyfield was criticized for this latest comeback attempt, but he looked in great shape and was never seriously hurt.
Valuev (51-1) has avoided the top heavyweights and did little to improve his standing in the division. He was vulnerable to right hooks by Holyfield, even if the Russian also was never stunned.
"He made me work very hard for the win," said Valuev, the overwhelming favorite and underwhelming winner. "Holyfield was unbelievable with his speed. The fight was fought at a great tempo for the whole 12 rounds."
Holyfield was the busier fighter, and his footwork reduced the effect of the few punches thrown by Valuev.
The Russian carried a weight advantage of almost 100 pounds and planted himself in the center of the ring. He usually failed to cut off Holyfield or unleash punches of power.
Holyfield appeared to accept the decision. Still, he offered only grudging praise of his conqueror.
"His hands are not as slow as everyone thinks they are," Holyfield said.
The first defense of the WBA title by Valuev was the biggest victory on a résumé that includes no fights against the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali, who hold the other major heavyweight belts.
Ken Sanders, manager of Holyfield, asked Valuev to offer a rematch. The Russian's management said it was possible sometime next year.
Holyfield, 0-4-1 in his last five championship fights, said he hoped for another chance at a title.
"I'm not really interested in fighting just to fight," he said. "I'm interested in being the undisputed champion again."
He was last the undisputed champion - owner of the WBC, WBA and IBF titles - in 1992.
Holyfield is struggling with financial problems and may try to use this better-than-expected result to score a big payday against another champion or Riddick Bowe, who has made a comeback.
Holyfield won one of three epic battles against Bowe in the 1990s, and beat Buster Douglas, George Foreman and Mike Tyson twice to become a dominating figure in boxing.
The fight was at Hallenstadion in front of 12,500 largely pro-Holyfield fans who gave his entrance a standing ovation. Valuev was booed, and there were even scattered whistles while the Russian national anthem played. The fans similarly showed their displeasure when the judges' scorecards were read out.