Valuev/Barrett Weigh-In Results
By Jesse K. Cox October 5th, 2006Nikolai Valuev/Monte Barrett weigh-in at Sears Tower
Fight officials already gathered how tall Nikolai Valuev (44-0, 32 knockouts) was on Wednesday – he’s 7-feet even for those who didn’t already know.
In what seems to have become one of the most empty gestures in heavyweight boxing, they weighed the Russian giant Thursday in front of the Sears Tower on the corner of Wacker Drive and Jackson Street. In case anybody wondered, he still outweighs his opponent by a 100 pounds.
The champion tipped the scale at 3e8 pounds while World Boxing Association challenger Monte Barrett (31-4, 17 KOs) came in at 229. The two will battle as Saturday night’s main event at Allstate Arena on Chicago’s northwest side in Rosemont, Ill.
As though the weight difference wasn’t bad enough, Valuev will have little room for Barrett to maneuver around him. The ring will measure a tight 18 feet wide inside the ropes, limiting Barrett’s chances of dodging the 10-ounces of Everlast leather wrapped around Valuev’s massive fists, which have earned a 72.7-percent knockout rate for Valuev.
October 5th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
18 feet huh? Big guy can reach almost halfway across the ring with his gigantic paws(85 in. reach). What do you do when your oponent can hit you from halfway across the ring? Seriously, I’d like to know.
10 oz. gloves on him would look like a pair of Brown work gloves on anyone else.
October 5th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Rob, there’s no answer for that. You had better slip and roll off punches better than the best. Barrett is in a bind. I haven’t heard what DK is paying him for this show, but one would hope it’s a handsome payday. If not, this is going to be brutal.
October 5th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
the giant may when this fight.but the first time he faces a good fighter its over.i mean barrett may do it saturday.the giant would lose to briggs klithchko toney peter brock even a ageing tyson.don king will be shipping you back to germany.bubba out
October 5th, 2006 at 8:31 pm
TONEY? come on man…lets not go over the top here. Toney would be squashed. I am confident that Toney wont even get past Liakhovich; let alone Klitschko or this giant. I think he could possibly take Maskaev in a 12 rounder if he came in fit. Not a certainty…he has a chance. Toney minus BS = average heavyweight.
Klitscko stands the best chance of beating the immense Mr Valuev. I am interested in seeing this guy take a real test…people assume that he is a freak..but what if he actually could box..that would be frightening.
October 5th, 2006 at 8:51 pm
Valuev waited along time to get a title shot. At 32 that’s still a good age for a perennial heavyweight. I can’t see Monty Barrett beating Valuev. At least not now. Valuev probably has the same span as a giant NBA center. For his size he can still be effective for at least a couple more years. Valuev has a underrated jab but very effective and that in itself will make him tough to beat.
October 5th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
I’m still withholding judgement on this big cat until I see him in there with a legit top ten heavy. Sure, he’s massive, but so was Mike “The Giant” White. Let me see him in a unification bout with one of the other alphabet boys and see how he does.
Vincent, you’re right. It would be frightening if he can actually box, but we won’t find out Saturday against Monte Barrett. John Ruiz is still the best fighter he’s faced and that was apparently a razor thin decision. Why is Valuev being fed all these fringe contenders? Maybe his handlers know his limitations and want to maximize his “freak show” potential.
October 5th, 2006 at 11:08 pm
Wayne,
Forget Valuev’s jab. Have you seen his right hand? That’s the hand that will deliver the finishing touches. His left will just get him there.
Vincent, I’m with you. The best fight Valuev will have is against Klitschko. I hope the power that be allow it.