Nikolai Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs) reclaimed the vacant WBA heavyweight title with a twelve round unanimous decision over fellow former titleholder John Ruiz (43-9-1, 29 KOs) to solidify himself as resident heavyweight freak show. Still, at least we don't have to see John Ruiz again any time soon. The giant Russian fought comfortably early before inevitably tiring late. Ruiz was able to get inside and bang the bigger man late in the fight, but it was too little and too late. In other boxing news, Unbeaten WBO jr flyweight champion Ivan 'Iron Boy' Calderon (3-0, 6 KOs) won a seven round technical decision over former champion Hugo Cazares (26-6-1, 19 KOs) after a headbutt forced the end of the fight. Calderon was dominating the action with his boxing ability before the bell (he might just be the best fighter no one ever gets to see). Next weekend is the
Juan Diaz-Michael Katsidis fight. These all action fighters should give boxing fans a real treat, which is more than I can say for any John Ruiz has ever been in.