Nikolay Valuev (44-0, 32 KO’s) looks to make a great first impression to American fans when he defends his WBA Heavyweight Title against Monte Barrett (31-4, 17 KO’s) live on HBO from Rosemont, Illinois. Even though he’s been a champion for the last two years, not much is known about Valuev in America, but that could all change tomorrow night.
Nikolay Valuev (44-0, 32 KO’s) looks to make a great first impression to American fans when he defends his WBA Heavyweight Title against Monte Barrett (31-4, 17 KO’s) live on HBO from Rosemont, Illinois. Even though he’s been a champion for the last two years, not much is known about Valuev in America, but that could all change tomorrow night.
Valuev became the tallest heavyweight champion in boxing history when he defeated Gerald Nobles for the WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship in 2004. Since that time, he has successfully defended his title, and along the way earned the WBA Heavyweight Title by beating heavyweight slob John Ruiz. In June of this year, he made his first successful defense against Owen Beck, earning a 3rd round TKO. Even at 44-0, Valuev still doesn’t get the respect that most champions would normally receive; But with stamina (he’s gone 12 rounds two of his last three fight), heart, strength, height, and 300+ pounds, Valuev looks to earn some the good old fashion way, whipping some butt.
At only 6 feet 3 inches, Monte Barrett will have his hands full with the 7-foot champion. In what started off as a promising career, Barrett has never been able to win the fights that have counted the most. He was knocked out by Wladimir Klitschko in 2000 and recently lost his last fight to former WBC Champion Hasim Rahman, coincidently also fought in Illinois. Barrett has the fortune of being in a title fight, after losing his previous fight, also a title fight, and hopes to take full advantage of this big opportunity. A victory brings a belt back to American Heavyweight Boxing, which has lacked the dominant fighter it once had (We miss you Tyson!).
So make sure to tune in live at 10pm EST, 7pm PST for a great night of boxing.
Touchgloves Predictions:
Farz B. – Valuev’s height and weight is too much, Value KO 7
