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Heavyweight champion David Haye will make the first defence of his WBA title against John Ruiz exclusively live on Sky Box Office on Saturday, April 3.
Haye (23-1 21KOs), who sensationally beat Nikolai Valuev in November 2009 to gain the WBA title will face the experienced former WBA and WBC champion at Manchester's MEN Arena, on Easter Saturday.
American Ruiz, known as the Quiet Man, has enjoyed mixed fortunes at the top of the division with victories over Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman as well as losses to Valuev and Roy Jones Jnr.
"I'm over the moon about having the fight in the UK and on Sky Box Office," said Haye.
"It's been 10 years since the heavyweight championship has been fought in Britain and everyone knows I had to go to Germany to take the title away from Nikolai Valuev.
"Now it's time to showcase my skills again in front of the great British public.
"And I'm delighted to have the fight at Manchester's MEN Arena. I've been there on many nights to watch Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, even Mike Tyson, and the atmosphere was always tremendous.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to what I do best - throwing my trademark Hayemakers. Ruiz is a come-forward fighter so I aim to get at him, break him down, and take him out in good style."
American giants Golden Boy Promotions promote both the champion and challenger, and none other than Oscar de la Hoya himself believes Haye is the man to re-ignite the heavyweight division.
"With his explosive fighting style, heart, youth and charisma, David Haye is the most exciting heavyweight in the world," said de la Hoya.
"On the other hand, John Ruiz is a very experienced fighter that knows what it takes to dominate in the heavyweight division and to win when it counts in a big fight. I expect a great fight that fight fans shouldn't miss."
Haye (23-1 21KOs), who sensationally beat Nikolai Valuev in November 2009 to gain the WBA title will face the experienced former WBA and WBC champion at Manchester's MEN Arena, on Easter Saturday.
American Ruiz, known as the Quiet Man, has enjoyed mixed fortunes at the top of the division with victories over Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman as well as losses to Valuev and Roy Jones Jnr.
"I'm over the moon about having the fight in the UK and on Sky Box Office," said Haye.
"It's been 10 years since the heavyweight championship has been fought in Britain and everyone knows I had to go to Germany to take the title away from Nikolai Valuev.
"Now it's time to showcase my skills again in front of the great British public.
"And I'm delighted to have the fight at Manchester's MEN Arena. I've been there on many nights to watch Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, even Mike Tyson, and the atmosphere was always tremendous.
"I'm looking forward to getting back to what I do best - throwing my trademark Hayemakers. Ruiz is a come-forward fighter so I aim to get at him, break him down, and take him out in good style."
American giants Golden Boy Promotions promote both the champion and challenger, and none other than Oscar de la Hoya himself believes Haye is the man to re-ignite the heavyweight division.
"With his explosive fighting style, heart, youth and charisma, David Haye is the most exciting heavyweight in the world," said de la Hoya.
"On the other hand, John Ruiz is a very experienced fighter that knows what it takes to dominate in the heavyweight division and to win when it counts in a big fight. I expect a great fight that fight fans shouldn't miss."
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