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
Sultan Ibragimov vs. Evander Holyfield for Chagaev. There were no knockdowns in the bout, which was scored 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 by the judges, giving Ibragimov an unanimous decision victory. Ibragimov would agree to face IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko in the first heavyweight unification bout since 1999, losing his title in a unanimous decision before retiring. Holyfield would spend more than a year out of ring before facing facing WBA champion Nikolai Valuev where he would be on the end of a controversial majority decision ending his hopes of beating George Foreman's record as the oldest heavyweight champion in history. Confirmed bouts: Sultan Ibragimov vs.