Sports
What Happened to Nikolai Valuev After David Haye Toppled 7ft Giant in 2009
For a brief moment in time, David Haye was the best boxer in the world. Boxing was at a standstill when ‘Hayemaker’ seemingly did the impossible and wrestled the WBA heavyweight title from the grasp of Nikolai Valuev on a cold and dreary night at the Nuremberg Arena in Germany.
In more ways than one, to the naked eye, they appeared to be polar opposites; Haye, the cocky, arrogant British heavyweight; Valuev, the hulking, menacing Russian straight out of a James Bond movie. But dig a little deeper and the differences start to fade as the similarities become more and more obvious with each passing year.
We take a look at exactly how the British fighter pulled off the mean feat of slaying the giant, which changed both fighters’ careers forever in the biggest example of a David vs Goliath battle ever.
David Haye’s Famous Win over Nikolai Valuev Revisited
Both fighters only had one loss on their records at the time, with Haye losing to Carl Thompson in 2004 via TKO and Valuev losing to Ruslan Chagaev in 2007 via majority decision. Most importantly, though, they found themselves thrown in the ring together, motivated by a single common goal – to become ‘the heavyweight champion of the world’ by any means necessary.
Haye, who was 29 and in the prime of his career at the time, was well aware of the dangers he faced in the build-up to the fight billed simply as ‘David vs. Goliath’. No other words would have done it justice. But despite breaking his hand in the second round, and having to be aggressive and throw looping shots to even come close to slaying the giant, what he was able to do on the night was simply incredible.
Valuev was able to control parts of the fight using his rangy jab and monstrous size difference, but Haye was no stranger to adversity and even rocked his rival with a booming shot which many had failed to do before. ‘Hayemaker’ then came through on the judges’ scorecards, prevailing by majority decision.
The news was huge both in the sport of boxing, and outside in the mainstream world, where even the more casual fan was left stunned by his ability to overcome the looming silhouette of the Russian.
Haye became the WBA champion with the remarkable win, making it one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, and achieved his dream of conquering the blue ribbon division, while proving that size really doesn’t matter. Meanwhile, it was a bitter blow for Valuev, for whom you immediately felt it was a dagger in his side, having risen to the top and towered over most who came across him.
David Haye Recalls Famous Night
It was a night of passion, celebration, and jubilation for Haye, who was left with the world at his feet after the phenomenal achievement, which saw him become a world champion in a second weight class.
From his perspective, it was a daunting task, but one he accepted with bravery and courage, even on foreign soil. It was one of the most famous nights on the British boxing calendar, and he has explained exactly how he did it several years later.
“My memories of the night are still vivid,” he told The Independent in 2019. “Memories of walking to the ring knowing that this is it. I’m going to be heavyweight champion of the world. The doubts creep into the back of your mind. Am I mad? I broke my hand in round two. A big overhand right. This guy had a rock solid jaw and I broke my knuckle on his jaw.
“In the last round, I nearly knocked him down to really solidify my points victory, but to get a victory on foreign soil against a guy that was promoted by Don King, who had a German promotion team, in Germany… any kind of decision that was remotely close would have gone in his favour, so I really had to go above and beyond with my tactics, making sure that he didn’t land any significant blows.”
David Haye’s Career After Beating Nikolai Valuev
The British star was in the prime of his life and his winning streak continued, as he defeated both John Ruiz and domestic rival Audley Harrison in successful defences of his WBA strap, which led to his big opportunity against Wladimir Klitschko.
The Ukrainian held the other belts and was looking to unify the division, which he did in dominant fashion, outboxing Haye by unanimous decision to snatch away the WBA crown he had earned so valiantly.
Despite his big opportunity failing to provide more history in the books, he continued to fight and bounced back with three consecutive wins, including a comeback victory over battle-hardened Derek Chisora, after one of the wildest press conferences in boxing history. But his real tests came in the final two fights of his career in high-profile showdowns with Tony Bellew. In both encounters, he was stopped by the Merseyside fighter, although he suffered a horrific Achilles injury in their first meeting.
Nikolai Valuev Downfall After David Haye Defeat
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Valuev, who had suffered a second career defeat in his 52nd fight, although it initially appeared that he would continue fighting on despite losing his WBA belt.
Unfortunately, it was not to be for the Russian, who, despite trying to be convinced by the likes of Klitschko and more to return, was eventually left unable to after discovering a benign brain tumour which saw him hang up his gloves for good.
Nonetheless, it was a stellar career at the top for Valuev, who had shown real dominance, beating the likes of Evander Holyfield and John Ruiz, but he was denied his opportunity to ever step in the ring with the Ukrainian Klitschko.
He has since been involved in Russian politics since 2011 and entered the Russian Parliament as an MP in 2011 following his final fight two years prior.
More recently, he was drafted by president Vladimir Putin to help with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but was rushed to hospital with a leg injury which prevented him from joining up. It is unclear if he did eventually take part, but health concerns have often plagued the life of the talented boxer.
In 1998, England arrived at the World Cup ready to make up for lost time, having missed out on the tournament four years earlier.
However, little did they know, it would all come crashing down once again. Hopes were high for the strong squad, led by Glenn Hoddle, that included Alan Shearer, Paul Ince, Tony Adams and the rising superstar David Beckham.
For what he later credited as a turning point in his career and life, Beckham would go from hero to zero on what was a fateful day in Saint-Étienne as the two international rivals locked horns 12 years on from the infamous 1986 quarter-final.
Why was David Beckham sent off?
With 1986 in everyone’s mind and plenty on the line for both countries, the tension was palpable. It had already been a dramatic knockout tie even prior to Beckham’s dismissal.
An early Gabriel Batistuta opener was canceled out by Shearer before teenager Michael Owen put the Three Lions ahead in stunning fashion; that goal was assisted by Beckham and remains one of the great England World Cup moments.
However, Argentina were up for the fight. An incisive free-kick routine resulted in Javier Zanetti firing past David Seaman just before halftime to leave the match in the balance heading into the second half.
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England World Cup Quiz
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As a result, tensions began to boil over. After a fierce battle with Diego Simeone, both lay on the ground but the Argentine seemed to provoke Beckham with a few taps and the United star failed to keep his composure, kicking out right in the front of the referee.
Hardly violent conduct, but it was enough to be sent off. England were left to compete with 10 men for the rest of the second half and the subsequent extra-time and penalty shootout defeat.
Reaction to Beckham’s red card
In the aftermath of the defeat, the media and fan outcry was brutal. Beckham was painted as public enemy number one, and it’s a miracle that he ever pulled on an England shirt again.
With the media and manager Hoddle already questioning his focus and quality, the red card was the perfect excuse for all the naysayers. The England manager failed to defend him in his post-match interview; an interview that Beckham later admitted was ‘difficult to take’.
The papers printed a damning headline: ‘Ten heroic lions, one stupid boy’. It seemed the entire nation had turned against him and the striking images showing effigies of him being burned still make for difficult viewing.
At the time, Beckham was arguably the most hated man in the country. A dartboard with his face on it was plastered on the front of one particular newspaper, fans booed him when he returned to club football and many didn’t want him to play for England ever again.
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Some of these will stay in the minds of fans forever.
What did Diego Simeone say about it?
Known for being a purveyor of the dark arts, from Argentina’s side Simeone had done his country an honourable service in getting Beckham sent off.
Yet, in a 2002 interview ahead of the World Cup, he admitted to overacting to secure the dismissal. He said: “Let’s just say the referee fell into the trap. You could say that my falling transformed a yellow card into a red card. In fact, the most appropriate punishment was a yellow. Obviously, I was being clever.”
He reflected on the situation in later years, noting how it was a transformative moment for Beckham. “It was probably a difficult time in his career, but also gave him a lot of strength to be the player and the man he is in football.”
Let’s just say the referee fell into the trap… Obviously, I was being clever.
David Beckham’s Redemption
The year 2001 brought about a true superhero moment that was the beginning of his redemption in an England shirt.
England needed one more point to confirm their place at the 2002 World Cup and were trailing 2-1 at home to Greece in the qualifying phase. With minutes left, Beckham fired in an incredible free-kick from 30 yards out to miraculously send his country to the tournament. Where once he was hated, he was now adored.
Then it all came full circle in the group stages, as England faced Argentina again. Beckham fired home the only goal of the game from the penalty spot and let out an emotional roar that seemed to expel the demons from that dark day four years earlier.
England would later lose to eventual champions Brazil, but Beckham had completed his redemption arc.
The Netherlands crashed out of the 2026 World Cup on Monday evening as they suffered an agonising penalty shootout defeat to reigning AFCON champions, Morocco.
Ronald Koeman’s side were one of the most impressive teams at the tournament in the group stage, scoring 10 goals and going unbeaten across their three matches.
Despite finishing top of Group F, they were handed a very tricky last 32 tie against Morocco.
The Netherlands looked like they were going to go through when Cody Gakpo gave them the lead with 18 minutes remaining. However, Oranje couldn’t hang on as Issa Diop’s goal in stoppage-time restored parity.
The match went to a penalty shootout and the Netherlands crashed out after Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville were unable to score their spot-kicks.
The Netherlands, despite being so impressive in the group stage, decided to play a completely different way against Morocco. Instead of playing a free-flowing, attacking style of football, Koeman’s side decided to defend deep and let Morocco have the majority of the ball.
That style of play limited the Netherlands to 30% and just three shots on target. Ultimately, it didn’t play off as the Netherlands crashed out of the competition.
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, who played the full match but did not take a spot-kick, is adamant that the game plan worked. He told NOS just after the game, per vi.nl: “[It’s] Very difficult to analyze it now.
“An intense match. I think we were well organized defensively. They basically couldn’t find the open man between the lines. So the game plan worked, of course. I think we scored a good goal. Ultimately, in injury time, you get pushed back. Then it goes to penalties; unfortunately, we get knocked out.
“If you look at almost all the big teams at the World Cup: they also just drop back and they also wait for the right moment to apply pressure. We trained hard on this for two days; at times it went well. Of course, there are always things that can be improved, but anyway: that doesn’t help us right now.”
Van Dijk’s belief that the game plan worked has not gone down well with football fans. One said: “Tone deaf from someone of his caliber.” Another commented: “What major teams are dropping deep? The only teams dropping deep I’ve seen are the true underdogs without the quality.”
A third wrote: “Yes Virgil, gameplan succeeded greatly! Much success! Managed to get a draw after parking the bus for 90 minutes, conceding after going 1-0 up and then missing 3 pens. Good process!”
A fourth said: “What a clown”, while a fifth called the Liverpool star “Virgil Van Delusional.”
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Ronald Koeman Defends Defensive Tactics
Koeman has come under fire following the Netherlands’ defeat, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic blaming him for their exit. Despite the criticism, he is adamant that he was right to set up his side to play defensively.
He said after the match, per the Guardian: “You can think whatever you like but we gave away much less against a team that was stronger than [group stage opponents] Sweden and Tunisia. If I had to do it again I’d do it all the same way. As the Dutch coach when the equaliser is scored I am always going to be scolded for the fact I chose five defenders.
“But you criticise, which is your right. You watch from the sidelines, I’m here with the team and, once again, I’d do it again.”
Morocco will now play co-hosts Canada for a place in the quarter-final. The match will take place at Houston Stadium on Saturday, July 4.
In today’s day and age, the boxing world has some fantastic competitors across multiple weight classes. However, it is, and has always been, the heavyweights that have drawn the most attention and money towards the sport over the years.
Boxers like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua are some of the biggest names in the sport today, and are establishing themselves as household names who will go down in the list of greats in boxing history. However, how do they compare to some of the greats, and do they make the cut just yet?
Well, according to AI, only two of them are worthy of making the top 15 list of greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. So without further ado, let’s see who is worthy of making said list.
|
15 greatest heavyweight boxers of all time ranked by AI (15-11) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Position |
Boxer |
Professional record |
|
15. |
Jack Dempsey |
63-6-9 |
|
14. |
Wladimir Klitschko |
64-5 |
|
13. |
Tyson Fury |
35-2-1 |
|
12. |
Jack Johnson |
54-11-8 (4 NC) |
|
11. |
Sonny Liston |
50-4 |
10
Rocky Marciano
Boxing record: 49-0
Rocky Marciano is one of two members of this list to have gone his entire career undefeated. After defeating Joe Louis for his heavyweight championship, the only way was up for Marciano, who went on to retire with a career record of 49-0.
Of those 49 wins, he won 43 of them via knockout, and could stake a claim higher on this list. For only six fights to go the distance is quite remarkable, so it’s only right that the American lands in the top 10 on the list of greatest heavyweights in the sport’s history.
9
Mike Tyson
Boxing record: 50-7 (2 NC)
Iron Mike Tyson takes home a record of 50 wins, with 44 of those coming via knockout, and seven losses to his name. The 58-year-old found himself going into a fight most recently in a situation where he was not the sole centre of attention. Both fighters were the subject of conversation for his meeting with Jake Paul, where the 29-year-old won via unanimous decision in what many blasted as a lacklustre event.
However, we cannot forget just how good Mike Tyson was back in his prime, and we mustn’t let the shambles that was the Jake Paul fight cast a shadow over his iconic and legendary career.
8
Evander Holyfield
Boxing record: 44-10-2 (1 NC)
Evander Holyfield goes down as one man who made boxing history, but it’s not for actions of his own in the ring despite being an undisputed champion.
Holyfield boasts victories over names like George Foreman and even Mike Tyson, with one of his victories becoming one of the most infamous boxing moments ever as Iron Mike bit his ear, taking a chunk out of it in the process. A run of defeats when past his peak harmed his chances at ranking higher on the list, with Holyfield scoring 29 knockouts, finishing with a record of 44-10-2.
7
Lennox Lewis
Boxing record: 41-2-1
Lennox Lewis was an astounding combination of a man who could be agile and light on his feet while standing six feet and five inches tall. Lewis won gold at the 1988 Olympics and boasted an impressive statistic of beating every man he had ever faced in the ring, including Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
The 58-year-old has differed from some of the greats of his time as he has never been swayed by the temptation to return for one last dance the way some of the greats from his era have. Before Oleksandr Usyk achieved it by beating Tyson Fury, Lewis was the last undisputed heavyweight champion of the boxing division, which happened way back in 1999.
6
Joe Frazier
Boxing record: 32-4-1
The year 1971 saw Joe Frazier compete in what many labelled as the ‘Fight of the Century’ when he met Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden. Until he met George Foreman in Jamaica, Frazier had been on an unprecedented streak of 29 fights where he claimed victory, but results soon began to drop following that defeat.
Boasting an impressive record of wins, the heavyweight only won three of his final seven fights, losing three and drawing his final meeting with Floyd Cummings.
5
George Foreman
Boxing record: 76-5
George Foreman has managed to be the face of more than just boxing, being the marketing face of the Foreman Grill. However, he was part of one of boxing’s most legendary nights, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle.”
After a 10-year hiatus from the sport, he returned with an astounding accomplishment of 24 straight victories, 22 of which came through knockout. Sadly, however, his career ended in defeat when he lost to Shannon Briggs in 1997 by majority decision. That doesn’t take away from the fact, though, he was incredibly 40-0 heading into the huge fight with Muhammad Ali, which he lost via knockout.
4
Oleksandr Usyk
Boxing record: 25-0
Ahead of his apparent final-ever fight in a truly illustrious career, Oleksandr Usyk comes in at fourth, according to AI.
After dominating the cruiserweight division and unifying all the belts in the process, the Ukrainian decided to follow in the footsteps of legends before him and move up to heavyweight, where he then went on to dominate and unify all the belts once again.
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Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Derek Chisora, Daniel Dubois have all shared the ring with Usyk at heavyweight and all have fallen to The Cat.
With just one fight left, likely to be Deontay Wilder or even MMA’s Jon Jones, Usyk has already cemented himself as one of the true heavyweight greats.
3
Larry Holmes
Boxing record: 69-6
Larry Holmes may have felt some pressure on his shoulders with the expectations placed on him to emerge in the world of boxing. Holmes was once a training partner of the great Muhammad Ali, and his sparring sessions must have come in handy as his skill gets him on this list, too.
His crowning achievement comes through his 19 consecutive title fight victories over seven years. Just like Foreman, he also built up an incredible unbeaten run, heading into his fight with Michael Spinks with a record of 48-0. However, what followed was three straight defeats, two to Spinks and one to Mike Tyson. He did then recover and win six in a row before losing to Evander Holyfield. His last fight came in 2002, which was a victory against Eric Esch.
2
Joe Louis
Boxing record: 66-3
Joe Louis goes down in the sport’s history as not only one of the greatest ever heavyweights to lace up a pair of gloves, but also one of the hardest punchers to ever take up the sport.
After racing to a 24-0 record, Louis would lose his first fight in 1936, before then going on a 14-year unbeaten streak to take his record to an incredible 58-1. Defeat to Ezzard Charles was then followed up by eight consecutive wins, before his final appearance in the ring took place in 1951. Ironically enough, his final fight in the sport came against the man featured before him on this list, Rocky Marciano, with the contest ending in defeat for Louis via TKO in the eighth round.
1
Muhammad Ali
Boxing record: 56-5
Who else but this man to top this list? The words float like a butterfly sting like a bee rang true with so many in the world of boxing, and still do to this day.
Ali not only goes down as one of the greatest to ever compete in the world of boxing, but he goes down as one of the greatest sporting personalities. Facing off with some of the greatest in the sport, some of whom are on this list, was exactly how Ali made himself to be a name that would circulate for generations to come. No one likes boxing without liking Muhammad Ali.
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