David Haye set for ring return

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/boxing/4838580/David-Haye-return-Possible-route-to-world-title.html http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/boxing/4838574/David-Haye-ready-to-make-boxing-return.html DAVID HAYE is out of the jungle and insists he is ready to rumble again. The Hayemaker, 32, climbed aboard the showbiz circuit and finished third in the recent I’m a Celebrity TV show after he knocked out Dereck Chisora in a controversial contest in July. But he has been eaten away by the thought of quitting without a world heavyweight crown after Wladimir Klitschko added Haye’s WBA title to his WBO and IBF belts with a points win. If Haye cannot persuade either Wladimir or elder sibling Vitali to face him then he will go down the route of becoming mandatory challenger for any of the four belts currently held by the brothers. Haye’s lowest world ranking is at five for the WBC version while he is four in both WBO and IBF despite announcing for the second time he had retired. Such is Haye’s box office appeal he has remained rated as number one contender for the WBA title that is currently held by Alexander Povetkin with Wladimir Klitschko as the ‘super’ champion — a title that grants him special status. Generally to get into a position to challenge a world champion the top two in any organisation box off and the winner gets the shot at the crown. It is a well trodden path for Haye, who won the WBC cruiserweight world title as a mandatory challenger for Jean Marc Mormeck. When a challenger takes that route, it gives reigning world champions no way out unless they give up their title. Haye went into ‘retirement’ for the first time after losing on points to Klitschko in July 2011. But he made a return against Chisora where he stopped his rival in five rounds. Before Haye could be banned for his punch up with Chisora at a press conference he handed back his fight licence. But he is now prepared to step back in the ring althoughhe will have to re-apply for a fight licence. Chisora will return to the ring on April 20 after yesterday regaining his licence. THE quickest route to getting a Klitschko in the ring would be to take on Alexander Povetkin for the WBA title. Povetkin is the reigning WBA champion, with Wladimir Klitschko the ‘super champ’, which affords him special status when it comes to defences. If Haye, rated as No 1 contender by the WBA, beats Russian Povetkin, an offer could be made to Klitschko. Brother Vitali is WBC king. Haye is ranked No 5 by that organisation — and a scrap with Manchester’s Tyson Fury would be a cracker. INDEPENDENT TOP 10: 1 Vitali Klitschko (Ukraine), 2 Wladimir Klitschko (Ukraine), 3 Kubrat Pulev (Bulgaria), 4 Tomasz Adamek (USA), 5 David Haye (GB), 6 Alexander Povetkin (Russia), 7 Tony Thompson (USA), 8 Tyson Fury (GB), 9 Odlanier Solis (USA), 10 Robert Helenius (Germany). How they match up Wladimir Klitschko PUNCH POWER: Not nicknamed Dr Steelhammer for nothing. Has KO’d 50 of his 59 opponents. STAMINA: For such a big man he has supreme balance at all stages. SPEED: Uses top jab to control and set up thunderous straight rights and a powerful left hook. VERDICT: Because of his size it would take a foolish, or brave, man to bet against him. David Haye PUNCH POWER: The Hayemaker is explosive and effective. STAMINA: Was ‘blowing out of his backside’ early in his career but has improved in recent years. SPEED: Best asset. Can deliver KO power in the blink of an eye. VERDICT: Marked Wladimir in late rounds by getting in range — but would need to gamble a bit more and a bit earlier. Vitali Klitschko PUNCH POWER: Instead of looking for the big one uses his size and reach advantage to get stoppages. STAMINA: Dogged determination makes up for anything he lacks. SPEED: Noticeably slower now. Dereck Chisora gave him a going over until ring nous took control. VERDICT: Too cautious to really excite fans. At 41, age would be deciding factor in later stages.