by James Slater – Earlier today in his native London, new WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, still high on his win over Nikolai Valuev at the weekend, hosted a press conference. During the gathering that was for the benefit of the media, Haye and his manager/trainer Adam Booth spoke about what could be in store for the charismatic 29-year-old next year. And, according to Booth, once Haye has taken care of mandatory challenger John Ruiz, “The Hayemaker” will fight “one of the Klitschko brothers,” at Wembley; in what would be the biggest ever heavyweight title fight held in the U.K.
According to The Mail on line, Haye said at today’s press conference that he will face Ruiz next, and then he wants to fight either Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko.
“[I’m looking forward to fighting] one of the Klitschko brothers. I want it to happen. Ruiz will be next, but after that I want one of the brothers,” Haye said today..
Booth said that Wembley had already been contacted with regards to the possibility of holding the massive fight next year. Booth also said the Ruiz fight will probably – depending on Haye’s injured right hand – go ahead in March or April of next year (at a venue to be determined).
It does seem, then, as though Haye wants a fight with a Klitschko, and that a showdown with either Vitali or Wladimir will take place next year – unless, of course, Ruiz throws a spanner in the works by upsetting the new WBA ruler.
But Haye doesn’t think there’s much chance of that happening, claiming he is “the best heavyweight on the planet,” who can “beat anybody.” Bold words indeed from Haye, but at least the Londoner did not go as far as Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer, who, according to an article in The Mirror, has claimed Haye is a boxing superstar who can be compared to the great Muhammad Ali!
“David is a boxing superstar,” Schaefer is quoted as saying in The Mirror. “There are a lot of champions – but to be a superstar is another thing. For that you need that other ingredient – charisma.”
Okay, so far what Schaefer’s had to say could be argued, but what he then said borders on preposterous.
“Lennox Lewis was a great champion, but he was not as charismatic as David Haye,” Schaefer continued. “Evander Holyfield was a great champion, but not as charismatic as David. Mike Tyson was a great champion, but he was a crazy guy. People watched because of the freak factor. So if you sit back and really think when was the last champion like him [Haye] , it really was Ali.”
Even taking into account the possibility that Schaefer may have still been celebrating when he compared Haye to Ali, such a thing is hard to swallow. Haye has only had three fights as a heavyweight! Thankfully, Haye himself had the good grace to be embarrassed by what Schaefer said about him.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’m like Ali, that’s a bit strong,” Haye said. “But I feel good enough to last at the top for a few more years.”
One thing is sure; Haye is now in a most enviable position, one in which he stands to make millions. A fight between he and one of the Klitschkos would surely net the 29-year-old something like £5 to £10 million all by itself. Let’s hope it happens. And if Haye can beat one or even both of his two rival champs, then maybe, just maybe, he will be up there with the likes of Ali.