• Boxing

Haye will regret quitting too soon - Hatton

ESPN staff
October 12, 2011
Ricky Hatton to David Haye: 'One more fight, please!' © PA Photos
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David Haye should fight on because otherwise he will regret ending his career on a losing note, according to Ricky Hatton.

The British Boxing Board of Control revealed on Tuesday that Haye has no intention of renewing his boxing licence, leaving him staring at the prospect of bowing out with a defeat, having been outclassed by Wladimir Klitschko in his most recent battle.

However, Vitali Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente claims Haye could return in February or March next year to fight the WBC heavyweight champion - and Hatton, who lost to Manny Pacquiao in his final ring appearance, has urged the Brit to face Vitali.

"David Haye should fight on to secure his legacy," Hatton said in the Sun. "He will be the first to admit he is better than his last performance against Wladimir Klitschko. And I have a feeling in my water he might yet give it one last go.

"Look at my career. I had a few ding-dongs and a few heavy defeats. I had to drag my a*** off the floor and come back again but David has not had that gruelling a career. His last fight is how most people will remember him, just as people remember me for mine - getting knocked out by Manny Pacquiao.

"For David, it was the night he came second to Klitschko and the manner of his defeat. That is why I believe Haye should fight on, to set the record straight - but I totally respect the decision he has come to.

"There are boxers who wish they hadn't boxed on but David appears to be one of the sensible ones. I knew after losing to Pacman that my hunger had gone. There were too many miles on my clock because I'd been fighting for so many years.

"You can't knock him for walking away because he has achieved so much. There haven't been many British heavyweights who've won the world title but Haye is one of the most exciting if not THE most exciting.

"He reignited the heavyweight division - a big puncher who went for the knockouts. That style was right up my street. All the credit in the world to him for sticking to his guns over his retirement, but come on David, one more time please!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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