Valuev (right) scored a split-decision points win over Ruiz in Dec 2005

Nikolay Valuev will face American John Ruiz in Berlin next month for the vacant WBA heavyweight title.

Russia's Valuev, who stands 7ft tall and weighs 24st, beat Ruiz in a 2005 split-decision title fight.

He was then beaten by Uzbekistan's Ruslan Chagaev in April 2007. Valuev and Ruiz are set to clash on 30 August.

Chagaev had been due to defend against the giant Valuev this month in Germany but the fight was cancelled when he tore his Achilles tendon.

The WBA subsequently decided that the two ex-champions will face each other.

Since it is uncertain when Chagaev will be fit again, the WBA gave him a special status following his withdrawal.

When he does recover from injury, Chagaev, the "champion in recess", will be given the chance to challenge the new, regular champion until 26 June 2009.