Nikolai Valuev was rushed to hospital in Moscow after complaining about a leg injury after being drafted to fight in the Ukraine war.
Seven-feet-tall Valuev remains the tallest and heaviest heavyweight champion in boxing history having weighed in at 300lb during his career. Valuev reigned as the WBA champion and defended the belt three times while going on a 46-fight undefeated streak. He is also known on domestic shores for his high-profile defeat to British star David Haye in 2009, which was marketed as "David vs Goliath".
The retired boxing star became the latest from the sport to be conscripted to fight in a different sphere and join Russian forces in the Ukraine war, after being ordered by president Vladimir Putin. But Russian lifestyle magazine Life has reported Valuev was rushed to hospital after complaining of pain in his leg. He reportedly spent the night in hospital, but a source has since issued a swift denial to downplay any serious harm.
A spokesperson for the giant said: "No one broke his legs." Valery Kunzekov, another spokesperson, also told the magazine: "Nikolai Sergeevich jumps, dances. Yesterday he was in the State Duma until late. No one broke his legs, and no one put him in the hospital. He is alive and well, smiling and walking on two legs. Now he is at home."
Valuev had hinted that he would accept the call-up from the Russian government writing on social media: "If the Motherland calls, I will go." This came days after the 49-year-old confirmed he had received the news and intended to report to the enlistment office. "In my opinion, everyone has received a summons, I also received a summons," Valuev told Izvestia. "Will I go?
What are your thoughts on Nikolai Valuev being called up to join Russian forces in the Ukraine war? Let us know in the comments section below
"Of course, I will go to the enlistment office now. My colleagues are good, they were registered for military service in the State Duma and received summons here, but I have to go home. I received the summons right before my trip to Donbas, and I was not at home. Next week I will definitely go and report to the enlistment office."
