'Beast from the East' rules out boxing comeback

Nikolai-ValuevMoscow, April 12 : Former WBA champion Nikolai Valuev, known as the "Beast from the East", has ruled out a comeback to boxing for health reasons.

Reports have appeared in Russian media over recent days that the 39-year-old underwent surgery to have a benign brain tumour removed.

"I don't plan that at all, for medical reasons," Valuev said when asked if he was considering a comeback.

St. Petersburg-born Valuev moved into politics in 2011 as a member of parliament for the ruling United Russia party, representing a coal-mining area of Siberia.

The seven-foot fighter has not fought since losing his WBA heavyweight belt to David Haye on points in 2009.(IANS)