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
Nikolai Valuev vs. David Haye he had inherited the mandatory status from Chagaev as the next highest ranked contender. He would later agree to face the winner of Valuev vs Haye. Haye was able to out move and out box the much slower Valuev by using a circle, stick and move strategy which would give a majority decision victory. The win made Haye the fourth brit to win a major heavyweight title, after Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis, and Frank Bruno as well as only the second former cruiserweight champion to win a heavyweight title after Evander Holyfield. Valuev would retire after the fight, while Haye