Former world heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev has been called upon by Russian President Vladimir Putin to fight in their ongoing war with Ukraine.
Valuev, 49, has become the latest Russian fighter to be conscripted to fight for the country following MMA champion Vladimir Mineev's enrolment earlier this week. Standing at 7'0" tall and weighing 149kg during his peak, Valuev is best known for being the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history.
The 'Beast from the East' first won the WBA heavyweight title in 2005 and defended it three times before his 46-fight unbeaten run was ended by Ruslan Chagaev. Valuev eventually worked his way back to becoming a two-time champion and even defended his belt against boxing legend Evander Holyfield. In a fight dubbed 'David vs Goliath, Valuev lost his title to David Haye and subsequently retired from boxing due to bone and joint problems.
