12.06.08 – by James Slater: Yesterday’s new WBC heavyweight ratings revealed that the former cruiserweight champion of the organisation who gave up his WBC 200 pound belt (along with his IBF and WBO versions) to campaign up in weight is now the #5 rated fighter in the top-ten. David “The Hayemaker” Haye, now even closer to making his dream of becoming a heavyweight champion reality, spoke on his future now that he is a world ranked heavyweight. Speaking with Setanta Sports today, Haye once again made it clear he sees himself as THE heavyweight of the future.
“The [heavyweight] division is starting to pick up,” Haye told Setanta. “And then you’ve me thrown in the mix. I’ve just got my WBC number five ranking at the moment – that came [on Wednesday] – I know now I’m number five at heavyweight, so I’m going to keep pushing.. The WBC champion is a guy called Samuel Peter. So if any of these champions are willing to do it, we’re going to try and do it. But the guy who is ranked number one in the world and who is universally ranked number one in the world is Wladimir Klitschko, and that’s the guy I want. We’re going to get a little teaser on Setanta sports next month, (the Klitschko-Thompson July 12th fight) so it’s going to be interesting.”
Interesting indeed a Haye challenge of either Peter or Klitschko would be. In truth, Haye hasn’t done anything to be ranked as high as 5th up at heavyweight, but a lot of fans and experts do feel he will show his worth up as soon as he’s given the opportunity.
Haye then went on to explain that just because he is now a heavyweight it does not mean he will all of a sudden get at all out of shape. “The Hayemaker” is known for his impressive physique, and he says he still will be even though he’s going to be a heavier fighter.
“A lot of people think, ‘He’s a heavyweight, he can eat hamburgers,'” Haye said. “I’m looking at being just as athletic as I looked against Enzo Maccarinelli. I’m not going to be one of these lardy heavyweights who turns up completely out of shape just because they’re allowed to eat what they want. I’m still going to have all the discipline I had at cruiserweight. You’re going to see me do exactly what I did at cruiserweight in terms of speed, power, knockouts and entertainment in the heavyweight division.”
Haye then finished off talking about the man he has been somewhat obsessed with lately – Wladimir Klitschko.
“I’m not going to hang around with Klitschko,” Haye declared. “He’s a big lump. He’s fast, he’s fit, but he’s never met “The Hayemaker.” One hundred percent, knockouts all the way!”
Haye has done enough talking; it’s time for his heavyweight re-debut. And then we’ll see if he can back up all the talk he’s been giving us.