Ruiz vs Valuev

After a gruelling battle, Nikolay Valuev regains the vacant WBA Heavyweight title by unanimous points decision, as predicted by Joe Morgan.

John Ruiz vs Nikolay Valuev

For the vacant WBA heavyweight championships at the Max Schmeling Halle, Berlin

Boxing’s heavyweight division has been derided as a joke for so long it is given about as much respect as WWE wrestling these days. It is then perhaps fitting that the re-incarnation of Andre the Giant – otherwise known as the seven foot hulk of a man that is Nikolay Valuev should be fighting for the world title this month against John Ruiz. If you have never heard of Ruiz, you have not missed out on much. The self-styled “Quiet Man” of boxing just won’t seem to do the right thing and retire no matter how many boring fights he manages to lose on points (he has lost half a dozen by way of decision).

The fight is for the WBA version of the heavyweight crown, a title both fighters have previously held. The pair have also fought before three years ago in the Max Schmelling Arena where this Saturday night’s fight takes place. On that occasion Valuev won a controversial points decision. As a spectacle, the contest may not enthral but it could be worth having a punt on.

Speed

In the last fight Ruiz was able to use a lot of head movement and mobility to hurt Valuev as he worked behind a busy jab. A similar strategy could enable him to pile up the points on Saturday night. Valuev has apparently integrated swimming into his training regime – expect him to be still floating like a whale on fight night.

Strength

Valuev has a big physical advantage against whoever he fights. He will be able to man-handle Ruiz around the ring when the fighters are tied up in clinches. His strength superiority should give the Russian ample opportunities for hitting his American opponent with awkward clubbing shots on the inside.

Power

Valuev is the power puncher. The Russian has knocked out 34 of his 48 opponents and while he is not a boxer who specialises in one-punch knock outs the brutal simplicity of his attacks can bludgeon an opponent down.

Technique

The Quiet Man has to use technique to beat his gigantic foe. He has promised to use different angles and combinations to unsteady Valuev while surrounding him and making him move around the ring. Whether he succeeds in implementing this strategy or nor, Ruiz has the better skills to win a technical battle.

Defence

Apart from being blasted out in one round by David Tua, Ruiz has been able to use clinch work and solid boxing skills to stay out of trouble against a host of top fighters in the division.

Punch resistance

The facts speak for themselves. Valuev has never been knocked out and the Russian will need to be hit with a volley of punches before he tumbles.

Intangibles

This fight is being held in Germany. Ignore this fact at your peril. Many observers – including most local journalists – thought Ruiz won the first contest. But Germany is a very difficult place to go and beat the hometown favourite if the fight goes to the judges scorecards.

Follow the giant…

I can not see Ruiz leaving Berlin with the WBA world championship belt. As a fighter who started his career in 1992, he is well past his peak. I see Valuev using his jab to keep Ruiz out of range while throwing cumbersome right hands which start to do some damage in the later rounds. A points victory for Valuev looks a good bet – the judges are unlikely to do Ruiz any favours. Otherwise put your cash on a late stoppage around the tenth or eleventh round for the Russian giant.