BERLIN (AP) – Russian giant Nikolai Valuev won the WBA heavyweight championship Saturday night, using his left jab to outpoint American John Ruiz in a split decision.

The 7-foot Valuev (49-1) regained the title he lost to Ruslan Chagaev in April 2007 and beat Ruiz (43-8-1) for the second time.

Two of the judges scored it for Valuev, 116-113 and 116-111, while the third official gave the fight to Ruiz, 114-113.

The decision wasn’t popular with everyone in the Max Schmeling arena in Berlin, with some of the crowd booing the outcome.

Valuev, with a massive advantage in height, weight and reach, also won a disputed decision over Ruiz in December 2005.

“I thought I won the fight,” Ruiz said. “I don’t know what was going with the scorecards.”

The scorecards were taken back and fourth from the ring several times.

Valuev landed a few big rights, but not enough to put Ruiz into trouble. Ruiz could not connect with more than one punch at a time.

“I did not do what I wanted to do 100 percent,” Valuev said.

The 35-year-old Valuev looked trimmer and quicker than in previous fights after changing his diet and training regime. He settled for keeping Ruiz at a distance with his left jab, but never delivered a punch that could shake Ruiz.

Ruiz appeared to shake Valuev with a right in the second round but the Russian recovered quickly. Every time Ruiz appeared to get close, Valuev’s left jab would keep the American away.

Ruiz and Valuev were given a title fight after the WBA declared Ruslan Chagaev “champion in recess,” following an Achilles’ tendon injury that forced him to call off a rematch with Valuev.

AP-ES-08-30-08 1857EDT