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
Owen Beck Beck was TKO'd in the 9th. Since the loss, Beck has lost to Ray Austin, but beat cruiser journeyman Darnell Wilson to set up a shot against the former WBA Heavyweight Title holder Nikolay Valuev. Valuev defeated Beck, dropping him twice and winning via TKO in the 3rd. After he fought Valuev he made a comeback and won the fight against Ricardo Arce via 2nd Round technical knockout and had another fight against Marvin Hunt and beat him via first-round knockout. He took a 19-month break from boxing before returning to the ring in June 2009. He fought Andrew Greeley