WBA investigating Valuev victory

Dec 30, 2008 - 4:11 PM PANAMA CITY, Panama (Ticker) -- The WBA has announced they will investigate Nikolai Valuev's controversial majority decision victory over Evander Holyfield earlier this month.

Holyfield, 46, failed narrowly to become the oldest heavyweight champion of all time as Valuev clinched a close verdict in Switzerland on December 20.

After 12 tight rounds, the 'Russian Giant' was ahead 115-114 and 116-112 on two scorecards, while the third judge ruled it a 114-114 draw.

It was a spirited performance by the 46-year-old challenger, though, who almost clinched the heavyweight title for the fifth time. When the scorecards were read, boos rang out as the crowd favorite's narrow defeat was confirmed.

"As the World Boxing Association (WBA) always cares about and respects the fans' and the media's opinion, the Championship Committee has ordered a panel of judges to review the tape of the fight between Nikolai Valuev and Evander Holyfield, for the WBA heavyweight title," a statement from the WBA read.

The organization also revealed they "will give a decision accordingly in the following weeks".

It remains unclear what action the association could take when the review is concluded, though the most likely scenario would appear to be the ordering of an immediate rematch.