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. . the harder they lose

Photos by DAVID MARTIN WARR

In early round, big Valuev pounds little Chagaev

After 12 rounds, Chagaev overcome by his win

In a surprise outcome, the undefeated Uzbek, Ruslan Chagaev came out winner over previously undefeated Russian, Nicolay Valuev and captured the WBA Heavyweight championship in their weekend bout in Stuttgart.

The southpaw challenger, a foot shorter and 6 1/2 stone lighter, pulled back an early lead by the Russian Giant and had him weary in the second half. Chagaev ended the 12 rounds ahead on two cards (115-113 and 117-111)and tied on the third (114-114 judge Stan Christodoulou).

It was not just the title that Don King’s Russian Giant lost, but his pursuit of an all-time record. Valuev had 46 wins straight and was on the track of Rocky Marciano’s 49-0. "Ruslan deserved his victory," said the sporting loser.