Dodging and weaving helped Haye score the points [GALLO/GETTY]

Haye, who became Britain's first heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis retired six years ago, scored 116-112 points on the scorecards of two judges, the third giving it a 114-114 tie.

Valuev, the tallest and heaviest world champion of all time who has yet to be floored in his 16-year professional career, struggled throughout the 12-round bout against a speedier opponent.

"This means everything to me. Since I was a little baby I wanted to be heavyweight champion of the world," Haye said in a ringside interview.

"It's amazing, I dreamt of this now it's reality, it's real... he wasn't hitting me so as long as you are not getting hit you are okay.

Speed and accuracy

Former world cruiserweight champion Haye, who took a 22-1 record into the bout with the 'Beast from the East', is almost a foot shorter than his seven foot opponent but he made up for it in speed and accuracy.

"I hit his head early in the fight but it was the hardest thing I've ever hit, it was like hitting a brick wall... I'm pretty sure I've broken my hand," said Haye.

"I made him look like an amateur. People doubted my skills... but I did enough to win."

The 29-year-old Londoner landed a handful of big left-right combinations in the early rounds that troubled the towering Russian who had trouble pinning the quick Briton to the ropes.

Haye even landed a massive left hook 60 seconds before the end of the 12th round that rattled Valuev, threatening him with his first knock out.