17.04.07 – Despite the entertainment generated by Britain’s top heavyweights in recent years, David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye feels the merry-go-round attitude of British heavyweights is ultimately damaging. Set to step up to the heavyweight division on April 27 against Poland’s Tomasz Bonin, Haye believes the key to success is found further afield. “I’m targeting the world heavyweight title not the British heavyweight title,” the 26-year-old stresses. “I’m not moving up to heavyweight to fight all my domestic rivals and end up going absolutely nowhere..
“My next opponent, Bonin, is rated higher than all the British heavyweights with the World Boxing Council (WBC), and that is one of the reasons why I am boxing him.”
British contenders Matt Skelton, Michael Sprott, Danny Williams and Audley Harrison have all served up some intriguing heavyweight clashes in recent times. They have also often met each other more than once. Haye insists the rivalries have moved none of the heavyweights anywhere fast.
“If I were to beat someone like Skelton or Sprott, the win would then be followed by a rematch,” Haye says. “Then you’re looking at a rivalry. Then you’d have to defend the British title against the next challenger – and then they’d want a rematch. It just doesn’t get you anywhere. I’d be constantly going round in circles.”
Haye adds: “I’m 26 years of age and feel I am approaching my prime. I don’t want to waste my best years against domestic opponents. Frank Bruno and Nigel Benn never bothered with the British title, and they didn’t do too badly, did they?”
Nevertheless, Haye does consider himself Britain’s biggest hope in the heavyweight division when he eventually settles into the weight-class full-time.
“I’m definitely Britain’s best heavyweight,” Haye says. “By taking on world-class opponents instead of domestic rivals, I’ll prove that I’m the best. I’m going to be bringing speed and explosive power these heavyweights have never seen before – it’s the stuff of nightmares.
“Ruslan Chagaev beat Nicolay Valuev the other day despite being eleven inches shorter than him and 90 pounds lighter. He did it with speed, intelligence and skills. These big, plodding heavyweights better get used to it.”
Haye’s attempt to disarm the heavyweight division begins at London’s Wembley Arena on April 27. His opponent, Tomasz Bonin, is not to be underestimated, however.
“Bonin’s a very dangerous fighter,” Haye, 18-1 (17 KOs), admits. “He’ll be the biggest and hardest-punching fighter I’ve ever faced. He’ll also be the first heavyweight to taste ‘The Hayemaker’. I’ll assure you he won’t be the last, either.”
For details on how to purchase tickets for Haye-Bonin at London’s Wembley Arena, please call 07885728330.
For more information visit David Haye’s official MySpace page at www.myspace.com/davidhaye