The 7ft Russian lost his title to Ruslan Chagaev last April. But Valuev earned a re-match with the man from Uzbekistan when he crushed Sergei Liakhovich, of Belarus, on points with one of his best ever performances.

Valuev dominated from the first bell in the fight in Nuremberg in Germany. His superiority was reflected by the scorecards which put him ahead by 120-108, 120-108, 120-107.

Liakhovich proved an easy target for Valuev who fired in shots from the middle of the ring and did most of the damage with his thunderous left jab.

At the end of the second round, he pinned Liakhovich into the corner and landed a heavy combination of punches that bruised his opponent’s left eye.

Liakhovich, the former WBO champion, failed to make any real headway with Valuev shaking off the few jabs he landed.

Valuev continued to control the centre of the ring in the following rounds, wearing Liakhovich down with his strong jabs. He landed in every round, and Liakhovich’s right eye was soon badly swollen.

Valuev landed two further hard jabs to the face to pin his opponent in his corner in the last round but Liakhovich survived.

Valuev said: "I was very pleased with my performance - I showed how much I have improved. I look forward to the fight with Chagaev."