Nikolai Valuev 7 November 2009, billed as "'David vs. Goliath"', Valuev faced off against former unified and lineal cruiserweight champion David Haye (22-1, 21 KOs) at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung in Nuremberg. Valuev lost on points (114–114, 116–112, 116–112). Valuev announced his retirement from boxing in a Russian newspaper three days after the loss to Haye on 10 November 2009. In 2010, Valuev's doctor went on record saying that he is treating Valuev for "serious bone and joint problems". Valuev underwent two operations that required at least six months on the sidelines. Valuev confirmed in 2013 that medical advice was one of
Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ruslan Chagaev WBA title from Nikolay Valuev in April 2007 by a majority decision. His scheduled rematch with Valeuv was twice cancelled due a viral infection and a torn Achilles tendon both suffered by Chagaev. After the second cancellation Chagaev vacated the title becoming a "Champion In recess", with Valuev going on to defeat fellow former champion John Ruiz to regain the title. After Haye pulled out, Klitschko and Chagaev agreed to meet at the Veltins-Arena with the vacant "Ring" magazine heavyweight belt on the line. Also, this was the first time that the Lineal championship had been contested since Lennox Lewis