Kenya, July 1 -- Nikolai Valuev is a well-known Russian politician and former heavyweight boxing champion. Recently, he has been in the news because Azerbaijan has banned him from entering the country. This news was shared on February 10, 2025.
The reason for the ban, announced by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, is Valuev's comments against Azerbaijan. He accused people from Azerbaijan living in Russia of being involved in crimes.
This situation shows that Valuev often causes strong opinions as a member of Russia's State Duma and because of his history as a famous boxer. Valuev is very tall at 7 feet and weighs over 300 pounds.
He was a dominant figure in boxing from 1993 to 2009 and won the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title twice.
Known as the "Beast from the East," he defeated famous fighters like Evander Holyfield and John Ruiz, finishing his career with a record of 50 wins and 2 losses, including 34 knockouts.
His boxing career ended in 2009 after a fight against David Haye, known as the "David vs. Goliath" match. After boxing, he entered politics and joined Vladimir Putin's United Russia party in 2011.
As a member of the Russian Parliament, Valuev has strongly supported the Kremlin. In 2022, he expressed a desire to join the military to help Russia during the Ukraine conflict, but he was hospitalized for leg problems soon after he received a call to serve.
His recent comments on social media about Azerbaijan's diaspora engaging in financial issues caused Azerbaijan to label him as persona non grata, meaning he cannot enter the country. He is the third Russian lawmaker to receive such a ban.
The closing of Russia's cultural agency in Baku added to the tensions between the two countries, and Valuev's words have only made matters worse.
Reactions online are mixed; some people admire Valuev's patriotism, while others criticize his harsh comments.
Many fans see his journey from a boxing champion to a controversial political figure as interesting, despite his negative remarks about Azerbaijanis.
Although he is a big and powerful figure, Valuev also has a softer side. He writes poetry for his wife and has hosted a TV show for children in Russia, which contrasts with his tough political views.
This latest incident adds to Valuev's reputation as someone who combines his past in sports with political arguments.
As the relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan remains tense, Valuev's actions continue to attract attention and spark discussions, making him a notable figure in both sports and politics.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.