I Vill Break You

So, there’s this Russian boxer called Nikolay Valuev. He stands 7 feet tall and weighs 320lbs, putting him safely in the heavyweight division. And unlike many of the other “giant” boxers who have gone before him, who mostly just had freak show appeal, this guy might actually be able to box.

[T]he proverbial boxing sideshow has, almost without exception, been just that — relegated to the side, safely distanced from that which would be looked upon as substantive, important, or mainstream within the industry.

Is that in the process of changing? Has one of the circus acts emerged to the point where it is positioned front and center in the landscape of what is traditionally boxing's glamour division? And is it just a pathetic sign of the times in the depressed heavyweight picture?

These are the questions being asked in some corners of the fight game these days, inspired by the rise of a figure who may just be on the verge of boxing's Holy Grail.

It would be really interesting if this guy turned out to be the genuine article. Especially because the heavyweight division is soooooo boring now. Valuev’s first fight to air in America comes in September, and I’m totally tuning in.

Even if you don’t like boxing, just check out these pictures. The guy’s a monster!


Nikolai Valuev of Russia and John Ruiz of the U.S. exchange punches during their WBA Heavyweight Fight at the Max-Schmeling Hall on December 17, 2005 in Berlin, Germany. (Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)


Nicolai Valuev of Russia and Clifford Etienne of the United States exchange punches during the WBA Intercontinental Championship Heavyweight Fight between Nicolai Valuev and Clifford Etienne on May 14, 2005 in Bayreuth, Germany. (Christian Fischer/Bongarts/Getty Images)


Marcelo Dominguez takes on Nikolai Valuev in a boxing match on April 17, 2004. (Friedemann Vogel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Yowza. He makes other heavyweights look teensy!

Thanks to Mr. Shakes for sending along the article.