Ruslan Chagaev is the new WBA world heavyweight boxing champion after winning a points decision against previously unbeaten champion Nikolai Valuev on Saturday.
The Uzbek fighter was too tough for his seven foot Russian opponent, who toiled despite his considerable height and weight advantage.
One judge called the fight a draw but Chagaev got the verdict of the other two officials by a 115-113 and 117-111 margin.
Chagaev showed great courage as he punished the 'Russian Giant' with big lefts throughout the 12 rounds.
After a cagey opening, Chagaev started to connect with his lefts as the champion controlled the centre of the ring with the Uzbek adopting hit and run tactics.
Valuev started to make some impact with his strong right in the fifth, but the challenger withstood it well.
The pattern remained the same in the sixth when Valuev trapped the challenger on the ropes - only for Chagaev to reply with some strong lefts to the head.
Valuev started out well in the seventh before Chagaev rocked him with a series of punches to the head.
The Russian proved he had a strong chin but Chagaev was picking up points on the judges' scorecards.
The 28-year-old's speed seemed to fade in the eighth and ninth. Just when Valuev seemed to be taking over in the tenth, Chagaev replied with three thunderous lefts to the head.
Tension was rising in the final two rounds with Valuev catching his opponent but not without taking some punishment himself.
Both men were fighting for their lives in the twelfth and furiously traded punches - again with the challenger having the better of the exchanges.
The result spelled the first loss for the 33-year-old who had come within three wins of Rocky Marciano's unbeaten record (49-0).
While Valuev drops to 46-1 with 34 KOs, Chagaev improves to 23-0 (17 KOs).
Valuev was generous in defeat and did not contest the decision.
'The verdict is right,' said the Russian. 'I have always been diplomatic towards my opponents and the better fighter won tonight.
'I made a lot of mistakes. He deserved to win, that's the truth, but I will come back.'
Chagaev was elated with the win, saying: 'I have accomplished my goal.
'Lots of journalists said I had no chance because he is so big and tall, but I proved them wrong. I am small but I am vicious.'
