Valuev beaten as Chagaev is crowned champion

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

STUTTGART, Germany (AFP) — Russian boxing giant Nikolay Valuev admitted he was well-beaten as he lost his WBA heavyweight crown on Saturday night to new champion Ruslan Chagaev.

In his fourth defence since beating American John Ruiz in December 2005, the Russian Giant - formerly known as the Beast From the East - was convincingly beaten over 12 rounds in Stuttgart by the powerful challenger.

This was the 33-year-old mammoth's first defeat after 46 wins and one no result which brought him within three of equalling legend Rocky Marciano's record 49 straight victories.

The scoring of 114-114, 115-113 and 117-111 by the three judges, although inconsistent, was a fair result as the new champ chalked up his 23rd professional win, but the beaten Valuev was gracious...