Sport: David Haye v Nikolai Valuev

They've built this one up as David v Goliath and it's easy to see why ... Britain's David Haye stands 11 inches shorter and seven stones lighter than his Russian opponent, the WBA world champion, Nikolai Valuev Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

The 29-year-old Londoner has a reputation for being a big-hitter, having won 22 of his 23 professional fights, 21 of them by knock-out Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

Valuev, dubbed the Beast from the East, has had 51 bouts to date, winning 34 by knock-out and losing just once Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

The fans at the Nürnberg Arena in Germany want a explosive fight, but Haye can't afford to take too many risks against such a colossal opponent Photograph: Thomas Langer/Bongarts/Getty Images

Haye's cutman works on his face prior to the fight Photograph: Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images

Haye makes a tentative start, initially appearing overawed by the sheer stature of his opponent Photograph: Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images

But he clips the Russian with a few flashing shots and appears to shade round two Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

A British fan shows his colours Photograph: David Ebener/EPA

Haye uses his hand speed to his advantage to take the third round Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

Valuev stalks his opponent, keeping Haye on the back-foot for the middle stages of the bout ... but his punches look tame and few of them are landing Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

Haye works the body ... sensible tactics from the Londoner ... he's taking a measured approach and making Valuev look decidely sluggish in the process Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

A rare glimpse of aggression flashes across the 29-year-old's face Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

Sweat flies into the air as the two heavyweights tussle Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

After ten rounds, Haye is showing few signs of tiredness ... He goes on to dominate the closing two rounds Photograph: Johannes Eisele/Reuters

Valuev's face ripples as he is caught by a neat right-hand ... and with little more than 30 seconds left, the Russian's legs almost buckle as he is cuffed by a quick left-hook Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

The scores are announced and Haye is crowned Heavyweight World Champion ... He wins two of the scorecards by a comfortable margin of 116-112, while the third judge scored the fight evenly at 114 each Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

Joyous celebrations for Haye, who claims afterwards that he injured his right hand early in the bout and was forced to box predominantly with his unfavoured left hand for much of the contest Photograph: Thomas Langer/Bongarts/Getty Images