The brash British boxer used his superior quickness against the huge Russian, who came close to being knocked down for the first time in his 16-year pro career in the 12th and final round.

Haye, a former cruiserweight world champion, won his third heavyweight fight to improve to 23-1 with 21 KOs, despite giving up nearly a foot (28 centimeters) in height and nearly 100 pounds (44 kilograms) to Valuev.

Haye won over the judges with two scores of 116-112, while a third called it 114-114.

Valuev's record dropped to 50-2 with 34KOs.

Haye