ARENA’s cruiserweight Rüdiger May had just started his preparation for his next fight (either on March 11th in Halle/Saale or on March 14th in Munich) when he received an invitation he could not decline: WBC Champion David Haye wanted May as sparring partner for his title unification bout against Enzo Maccarinelli on March 8th in London.

May: “That’s just perfect for my own preparation. And it gives me an idea of where I stand right now as well.”

The 33-year-old Saxon just signed with ARENA three months ago. Why did Haye explicitly chose him for his sparring?

May: “In the first place I got a similar physique as Maccarinelli. But Haye also said that he wanted somebody with a very good jab and he said that I was the first one who came to his mind, which is a very nice compliment.”

Maybe there is even the chance for Haye and May facing each other in the ring without head protection. May is currently ranked on No. 30 by the WBC. If both men win their bouts in early March and Haye doesn’t go up to heavyweight after that May may be in position for a voluntary title defence…