Nikolay Valuev believes speed was the key to him regaining the WBA heavyweight title after he defeated John Ruiz in Berlin.
Russian hails training regime after title success
Nikolay Valuev believes speed was the key to him regaining the WBA heavyweight title after he defeated John Ruiz in Berlin.
The Russian Giant clinched a unanimous points victory over the 36-year-old as he was ahead 116-111, 116-113 and 114-113 on the scorecards.
And, after depriving Ruiz of the same belt at the same place in December 2005, the Russian admitted his performance this time round was just as satisfying.
"I am not sure whether I did better in the first fight - I would have to watch the tape first," Valuev said.
"But I do know that I was quicker this time. It is great to have the title back and I am very happy about it."
After losing the belt to Ruslan Chagaev in April 2007, Valuev replaced coach Manuel Gabrielian with Alexander Zimin - a decision the seven-footer believes has paid off.
Quicker
"All the changes in training have paid off and I am very happy about that," Valuev said.
"I did not expect it to be an easy fight because we knew what tactics Ruiz would employ but I think I did well to keep him at bay. It was not perfect, though, there is still room for improvement.
"But thanks to Alexander I have become much quicker as you could see tonight and that was the key for success."
Manager Wilfried Sauerland praised his fighter for the best performance ever - "at least in the first eight rounds".
He said: "That was a great performance by Nikolai. He jabbed very well in the first eight rounds before getting a little tired. He deserved to win tonight."
His opponent, John Ruiz, held a different view, insisting he had won the fight.
Mistake
"This is a black eye to boxing," he stated. "It is ridiculous when the scorecard is going all over the place after the fight.
"Is boxing turning to the negative side? I hope the WBA will step up and somehow this can be fixed."
There was indeed a slight confusion after the fight when a split-decision was announced after judge Takeshi Shimakawa had given the last round to Valuev but WBA supervisor Robert Mack had accidentally counted it for Ruiz.
It was then officially changed to 114-113 for Valuev.
"I apologise for the mistake," Mack stated. "It was my fault."
Ruiz said: "I am very disappointed about the outcome but I want to thank the German fans and the German people for their support.
"I hope to come back one day - for pleasure, not for business."
Meanwhile, co-promoter Don King has big plans for the Russian Giant. "He keeps improving and will rule the boxing world," he said. "He will unify the titles."
