Back in 2009, Nikolai Valuev made eye contact with David Haye in the ring.
Or maybe, it was the look of woe on Valuev’s chest.
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The British boxer’s then-opponent was 7 feet tall and weighed 316 pounds.
It was no surprise that the fight was promoted as David vs. Goliath, with Haye emerging victorious after 12 tough rounds by majority decision.
But since hanging up his gloves in 2009, the Russian boxer known as the ‘Beast from the East’ has surprisingly become a politician.
The tallest and heaviest boxing champion in history became a member of parliament for the United Russia party, and is now a henchman for Vladimir Putin’s dictatorial regime.
Valuev recently revealed that he is upset that Great Britain still exists – saying that there would be less problems in the world if it did not.
He said, “If you imagine that, in any of the last six centuries, the British Isles suddenly sank into the sea, the rest of the world would, in fact, have less problems for a certain period of time.”
If Britain ceased to exist, he warned, “others will occupy the vacant space.”
Valuev’s life is nothing short of interesting, if not controversial.
boxing
From 1993 to 2009 Valuev’s life was dedicated to the ring.
And he was also a warrior with some pedigree.
In 2005, he fought American John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title in Berlin, Germany.
It was a historic moment for the ‘Russian giant’ who would earn a 12-round majority decision.
He would become the tallest and heaviest boxer of all time.
However, he lost the belt to Uzbekistani fighter Ruslan Chagaev by majority decision in 2007.
Redemption would come again in 2008, when Valuev regained the belt after defeating Ruiz for the second time.
British boxing fans will best remember Valuev for his fight with David Haye in 2009.
The Briton managed to overwhelm and outbox Valuev’s massive frame, winning by majority decision after 12 tough rounds.
Haye later revealed that his arm was broken in the fight – comparing the blow to Valuev’s head to a blow to a wall.
Three days later, the Russian retired from the game. He had several operations in 2010, with his doctor treating Valuev for “severe bone and joint problems”.
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In 2013, he refused to return to the world of boxing citing medical reasons.
A new chapter in politics
But, by this time, Valuev had already found a new calling.
He became involved in politics – using his fame and standing to aid his country.
In December 2011, the sports star became a member of the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, through the United Russia party.
Soon a period of controversies began.
In 2012, Valuev supported legislation in the Russian Parliament banning the adoption of Russian orphans by American citizens.
That same year, Valuev came under fire following the IOC’s decision to suspend Russia from participating in the Olympics under its flag due to the Russian state-sponsored doping scandal.
He said that Russia should go to the Olympics and “tear everyone to pieces despite these bastards who want to destroy our sport.”
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join the fight
In 2022, Valuev revealed that he had been called up to fight for Vladimir Putin’s Russian forces in Ukraine.
“In my opinion, everyone has received a summons, I have also received a summons,” Valuev told the Russian outlet. Izvestia,
“Shall I go? Of course, I will go to the enrollment office now.”
“My colleagues (fellow MPs) are good, they were registered for military service in the State Duma and received a summons here, but I have to go home.
“I received the summons just before the trip to Donbass, and I was not at home. Next week I will definitely go and report to the enrollment office.”
However, a few weeks later he was taken to hospital after complaining of a leg injury.
Russian magazine Life exposed Dash’s visit to a Moscow medical center, claiming he received treatment overnight.
However, a source downplayed the severity of the injury.
A spokesperson for Valuev revealed: “Nobody broke his legs.”
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The player’s second spokesman, Valery Kunzekov, told Life: “Nikolai Sergeevich jumps, dances. Yesterday he was in the State Duma until late.
“Nobody broke his legs, and nobody put him in the hospital. He’s alive and well, smiling and walking on two legs. Now he’s home.”
Putin’s allies
In 2023, Valuev was seen clapping in the crowd as Putin claimed during his Victory Day speech in Moscow’s Red Square that Russia was engaged in a “real war” with the West.
During a 10-minute speech, Putin told the crowd: “To the soldiers and sailors, and officers, generals, admirals, fighters and commanders, all participants in the special military operation, I congratulate you on Victory Day.”
“It is a celebration to honor our fathers and grandfathers who fought for their homeland and saved the world from Nazism through their sacrifice.”
Putin, who has often referred to the invasion of Ukraine as a repeat of World War II, revealed that a “special military operation” was needed to free Donbass from the shackles of ‘Nazi’ rulers in Kiev and the West. .
“Today civilization is once again at a turning point,” Putin said.
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“A real war has been waged against our motherland.”
He further said, “Today there is a real war waged against us but we will protect ourselves from terrorism, we will protect the citizens of Donbass.”
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