MOSCOW, February 15 (RIA Novosti) - Russian heavyweight boxer Nikolai Valuyev has postponed the defense of his WBA title from April 1 to May 27, a Russian boxing Web site said Wednesday
Vse Novosti Boksa (All boxing news) said Valuyev had postponed the bout against Owen Beck due to knee surgery he underwent three weeks ago. Although he said the operation was a success, he added needed more time to recover.
The Web site cited Valuyev as saying: "I want to be best form for first title defense. I must be a 100% ready. I will begin full training in the next few weeks."
Valuyev, "the Beast from The East", (44-0, 31 KO) became the WBA heavyweight champion of the world December 17 after beating John Ruiz (41-6, 28 KO) in Berlin, Germany.
Valuyev became not only the first Russian boxer to win the WBA title but the tallest and heaviest world boxing champion in history of the sport. He weighed 324 pounds for the fight and is seven feet tall.
