In a match that captured Americans' attention almost as much as NFL Europa opening day, Ruslan Chagaev captured the WBA Heavyweight Title with a split decision victory over 7-foot champion Nicolay Valuev.

Chagaev, a native of Uzbekistan who promotes himself as "White Tyson", did not knock down the previously undefeated giant, but pummeled him throughout the middle rounds to gain an advantage he would not relinquish.