Russian boxer Nikolai Valuev is back in his home city of St. Petersburg. He's been talking about his recent fight when he became the first Russian boxer to win a world title and the biggest heavyweight champion in history. This report from Steve Rosenberg:

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His dimensions helped him punch his way to victory over the previous WBA world champion, American John Ruiz. Today back home in St. Petersurg Russia's latest sporting hero said he hoped his victory would help give Russian boxers more chances to challenge for world titles.

Dismissing nicknames such as King Kong, Valuev said his next fight would be in the spring, but he admitted that last weekend's victory had caused him a few personal problems. He's so large the WBA title belt doesn't fit. He's had to order a bigger one.

Steve Rosenberg, BBC News, St. Petersburg

Listen to the words

beast
wild animal

weighing in at
his weight is

he towers over
he is much taller than

opponents
the people he is fighting against

dimensions
size

punch
hit with a closed hand

WBA
The World Boxing Association - one of the organisations that arranges boxing around the world.

Dismissing nicknames
Saying that the names people have given him are not serious

admitted
said that it was true

title belt
the prize that boxers win, a large decorated belt

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