BERLIN, August 31 (RIA Novosti) - Russian boxer Nikolai Valuev has beaten American John Ruiz in Berlin to reclaim the WBA title.

The judges' decision to declare a Valuev victory at the Max Schmeling arena late on Saturday was unanimous. However, there was some initial confusion when the fight was at first declared, in what turned out to be a mix-up, a split decision.

Valuev weighed in 40 kg (88.2 lbs) heavier than his Puerto Rican-American opponent.

"It is great to have the title back and I am very happy about it," said Valuev after the fight.

The seven-foot (2.13-meter) Valuev became Russia's first world heavyweight champion in December 2005 when he defeated Ruiz. In April last year he lost his title to Ruslan 'White Tyson' Chagaev from Uzbekistan.

Since then Chagaev has defended his title once, but a torn achilles tendon forced a delay in his mandatory challenge bout against Valuev. On July 4, the WBA decided to sanction a match against the Russian's closest contender, John Ruiz.

Chagaev is currently what the WBA calls a "champion in recess," and Valuev will now have to face Chagaev before June 26, 2009, if the Uzbek manages to get fighting fit by then.