From BBN: "Get to the back of the line," were the words of world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko when former cruiserweight king David The Hayemaker' Haye called out the giant Ukrainian in London this past April. Four months on, that line' has now substantially shortened in light of the World Boxing Organisation's (WBO) decision to hand Haye a number three heavyweight ranking. "This latest twist in the Haye and Klitschko saga means there is no longer any obstacle nor reason why the two most exciting commodities in the heavyweight division should not meet in 2009," states a press release from Hayemaker Boxing. Also ranked at number five by the World Boxing Council (WBC), Haye's new WBO rating is the more pivotal one given that Klitschko currently holds that organisation's version of the world title. There can be no more excuses or reasons why this fight cannot happen, explains Haye, 21-1 (20 KO). According to the organisations that matter, I am as deserving of a title shot as any other heavyweight out there. I knew that already, but now it's down there in writing. I have two top five rankings as a heavyweight and have only boxed 105 seconds as a heavyweight. What does that tell you about the state of the heavyweight division? What does it say about the organisations' confidence in me dethroning Klitschko? They think I'm ready. Former WBC, WBA and WBO cruiserweight titleholder Haye has only previously competed in one bout up at heavyweight an April 2007 first-round demolition of the normally-durable Tomasz Bonin. Nevertheless, the impressive and swift nature of Haye's victory over Bonin, complimented by his cruiserweight portfolio, moves the Londoner to the front of the heavyweight hunting pack. Klitschko should choose to fight me above the rest for a number of reasons, says the 27-year-old Haye. Firstly, a fight between us two is the only heavyweight fight that can bring excitement to the division. Aside from the personal reasons why I want the fight, Klitschko versus Haye should simply be made because it's a great fight. There are no other current heavyweight match-ups that have got people talking like this one. The division, and boxing as a whole, needs a heavyweight super-fight like this. Secondly, unlike some other recent Klitschko challengers, I bring three key ingredients to the table ambition, punch power and a six-pack. With Klitschko tied up for the remainder of 2008, fulfilling mandatory obligations with the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Haye must bide his time patiently. In the interim, Haye - always looking to make a statement will tackle a well-respected top 10-ranked heavyweight opponent on November 15 at London's magnificent O2 Arena. The non-title bout, screened live on Setanta Sports could conceivably mark the final stepping stone before Haye manages to get his claws on Klitschko. Klitschko, the wannabe politician, has now seen his smoke and mirrors routine destroyed by the WBO, adds Haye. He has nothing left to hide behind. It's not about my word against his anymore. It's not about hype. I'm now able to box for Klitschko's belts. No amount of propaganda will stop this fight happening. Providing everything goes to plan, I'll be knocking out Klitschko with my weapons of mass destruction in 2009. That's a promise.
Wlad has not been exciting since Manny turned him into a big girls blouse complete with a handbag jab.
This guy knows how to sell himself. He's correct though, all the other heavies have flab where the 6 pack should be. I'm happy for Haye to keep talking but I think he needs 2 really good tests against useful genuine Heavyweights before he's anywhere near ready for Klitschko. He needs to get comfortable at the weight because Wlad is different proposition to anything Haye has faced in his career. I actually think that it's great timing that Wlad has mandatories to fulfil first though. The longer Haye leaves it, the better. He's obviously trying to do a mental job on Wlad and by the time they fight, there'll be far more to this fight than the tale of the tape. There will be lots of clamour for their showdown by the end of the year after they've both won. You can foresee the ducking allegations flying around if Klitschko goes down a different road. But I'd rather see this fight at the end of 2009 to be honest.
I dont think Haye will win the fight I think he will come apart Because Wlad has got more than enough power and physical strength to smash Haye out lets get it on if Haye can KO Wlad - I will accept him as the best Haye is already the best crusiwerweight in the world lets get it on but Vitali will KILL him - I hope the bookies disagree - cos I will lump the contents of my bank account on Vitali
Rank 3 for what reason? For being a force in Cruiser and having done NOTHING in HW? Pathetic... Get some real HW fights and then fight against Wladimir. Until then shut the fu** up David...
Haye needs a couple of good HW fights first before he takes on Wlad, he is simply trying to take the short route to glory, instant HW king, obviously discusted at the thoughts of having to get involoved with mere contenders, the fact is he see's some weak spots in Wlad's armour and wants to capatilize before someone else does, but Wlad is a force to be reckoned with and he needs to get a couple under his belt first.....no matter how good he thinks he is !
Regardless of whether he wins or not, regardless even if you like him or not, Haye is going about this in totally the right way. I agree he needs to get a couple other HW fights first but keeping this pot on the boil is the smart business move. Muhammad Ali-style blabbermouth got very tiresome very quickly but at this point in time in the heavyweight division there's a severe lack of this kind of heat being built up. Toney is pretty much about the only other one willing to get some attention going like this. I think it's all for the good.
Agreed, thats the kind of persona we been missing for a long time, its good for the sport, i think he just needs a few under his belt to settle at the weight, dont want his mouth writing a cheque his arse cant cash !
Haye wont be able to cash that cheque. Vlad WOULD KO him. But thats not a problem. As long as Boxing has characters and the sport is making noise and putting bums on seats that fine by me.
Exactly, the more coverage and ears being cocked towards the sport the better, interesting clash of characters between those two aswell...
Look, at least he's bringing some spotlight to the division. It's completley devoid of charcters (save Toney) at the moment. Haye, I think, will fall way short of what's he's saying he will do. But it should be entertaining while it lasts. I'd actually love to see him clean up domestically if he took the time to do it.