By Phil D. Jay
British boxing sensation David Haye is envisaging a life beyond boxing as he prepares for not only the defining fight in his boxing career, but the defining night of his entire life. The 30 year-old meets WBO and IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko tonight at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg, Germany and plans to become the unified heavyweight champion before retiring from the sport.
The ‘Hayemaker’ announced his intention to retire from boxing before his 31st birthday along time ago and intends to see it through in October. Haye has been linked with a fight against Wladimir’s brother Vitali if he successfully negotiates his younger sibling, but with Vitali locked into a fight with Tomasz Adamek in September, Haye is contemplating the fact that his bout with ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ next month, could be his last.
“I’ve thought it all over, This date is set in stone. Vitali is fighting in September so he won’t be available before I retire,” Haye stated to The Daily Mail.
“This is my defining night, my legacy. One of my lives ends in Hamburg and a new David Haye life begins as I fly home with all the belts on July 3.
“They always say that you’re as good as your last fight and since this is my last fight I’d better be damned good because this is how I’m going to be remembered.”
The Londoner has had an extraordinary nine years as a professional boxer and has very rarely been in a dull fight. The one blemish on his record against Carl Thompson in 2004 came early in his career and he admits himself it has made him the fighter he is today.
With 23 knockout in 25 wins, David Haye has proved his capabilities at both cruiserweight and now heavyweight and a stunning victory over Wladimir Klitschko on July will put him right up there with the modern era’s greatest fighters.
I for one have enjoyed watching Haye’s speed, power and will to win and if this is the last time we are to witness him in a boxing ring, I am sure the brash Bermondsey fighter will go out in a blaze of glory, win or lose.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net
