David Haye sets sights on unifying division

David Haye successfully defended his WBA heavyweight crown against John Ruiz on Saturday night in front of a 20,000 strong crowd at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

Haye exploded out of the blocks knocking Ruiz down twice during the first round and on a further two occasions before the Quiet Man’s corner threw in the towel in the nineth round.

The Hayemaker, however, believes he could have disposed of his opponent sooner than he did: “Credit to Ruiz, he was a durable opponent,” said Haye. “But I could have taken him out in the first round if I didn’t rush my shots.

“I knew it was going to be tough, but I knew when I landed my bombs I was going to hurt him.

“I’m over the moon and really happy with the performance. I felt I was really sharp,” he added.

Since coming into what was widely regarded as a stale division, the London born boxer has bought some excitement back to the heavyweight championship through his blistering speed and power, and believes that if he can carry on producing the performances, the crowd will stick with him.

“The crowd has been absolutely electric for me. There was a 20,000 capacity here with everyone screaming for the Hayemaker,” he continued.

“With performances like that I’ll keep the fans behind me. I loved the whole occasion.”

After Haye’s victory against a boxer who had only previously been stopped once in 54 fights, he is now a step closer to taking on one of the Klitschko brothers, either WBC champion Vitali or younger brother Wladimir, the IBF and WBO holder.

And he also now has his sets sights on unifying the heavyweight division. “I want to fight for some more belts and keep giving value for money.”

But the 29-year-old doesn’t mind which of the Klitschko’s he takes on. “I’m not fussed, ” he said. “Whoever’s got the belts that’s who I’m going after.”