We're all freaked out by the term 'The Beast From The East' at this stage. What a name. Fearsome. Those unaware of the story of the term would be saying fair play to Met Eireann for coming up with such a great moniker.
However boxing fans will be aware its not original.
The real ‘Beast from the East’ was a Russian.
Nikolai Valuev was born in Saint Petersburg on August 21 1973.
A former professional boxer and two-time WBA heavyweight champion.
Nikolai is now working in the media in his native country.
A far from obvious choice to front a television show aimed at saying goodnight to Russia's children!
The boxer, who hung up his gloves in 2009, has now made the unlikely transition into the world of children's television in his Russian homeland, where he's fronting his favourite childhood show.
The 42-year-old, who knocked out 34 opponents and lost just twice during his 53-fight career, is the new host of 'Spokoynoy nochi, malyshi' (Good Night, Little Ones) - an iconic Russian show which has been running since 1964.
With his towering height just over seven feet and a reach of 85 inches, this boxer made any opponent look small in the ring.
Valuev is best known for being the tallest and heaviest world champion in boxing history.
Though the ‘Beast from the East’ has retired now, his career went on for an impressive sixteen years.
Out of the 53 total fights Valuev fought, he won 50, with 34 of those wins being via knockout.
Many times it seemed that Valuev was unstoppable as he defeated three world champions as well as many top contenders.
He announced his retirement from the sport three days after a loss to David Haye in November 2009
Although his own parents are apparantly short—both 1.67 m (5.5 ft) tall we are told his great-grandfather has been described as "of mountainous proportions" and "a warrior giant of Russian folklore."
In his professional boxing career he was defeated only twice, by Ruslan Chagaev and David Haye.
In his second defense on 7 November 2009, billed as 'David vs. Goliath', Valuev faced off against David Haye in Nuremberg.
Valuev lost on points which was an impressive victory for the bould D. Haye.
Print this off and refer to it at any future dinner parties when you are trying to impress your friends.
Heres his last ever professional bout.
You're welcome.
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