Boxer Nikolai Valuev has ruled out returning to the ring while he serves a five-year mandate as a Russian lawmaker.

The 38-year-old "Beast from the East" was elected to the lower house of parliament and began work there earlier this month.

"It's no secret that in my new role it will be hard to combine a sports career and [parliamentary] work," Valuev told RIA Novosti. "I can't do a job of such great responsibility and do serious training at the same time," said the former WBA champion, whose last bout was a 2009 defeat to British boxer David Haye.

The 7-foot, 2-inch (2.18-meter) giant has a career record of 50 wins, two losses and one no-contest in a 53-fight career. Officials in the parliament had to build a special chair in parliament for Valuev as the regular seats could not accommodate someone of his size.

Valuev is one of several sports personalities to have recently taken up politics. Former world tennis No. 1 Marat Safin is a lawmaker with Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, as is former rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva.

The three are on the house committee for housing and utilities.

Valuev was last month appointed general manager of the national bandy team, to promote a sport he enjoyed in his youth.