• Boxing

Haye weighs in heavier than ever to KO Ruiz

ESPN staff
April 2, 2010
David Haye and John Ruiz are ready to go toe-to-toe © Getty Images
Enlarge

David Haye will walk into Manchester's MEN Arena at the heaviest weight of his career when he fights John Ruiz, but he still tipped the scales nine pounds lighter than his opponent on Friday.

Haye weighed in at 15st 12lbs ahead of his first mandatory title defence since he defeated Nikolay Valuev for the WBA world heavyweight title. "The Hayemaker" was only 15st 7lbs for the Valuev fight.

Ruiz still carries more weight into Saturday's fight, coming in at 16st 7lbs as he attempts to become world champion for a third time. "The Quietman" is expected to pressure Haye in order to utilise all his experience, and several critics close to both camps are expecting a real test of Haye's mental strength.

The fact that Haye comes into the fight heavier than before shows the tactics he plans to use against his 38-year-old opponent, with close-range exchanges expected in Manchester. Haye wants to grab the attention of the US public by securing a knockout victory over Ruiz, and he is adamant his training could not have gone better ahead of the fight.

"I think I'm developing into a heavyweight," he told Sky Sports News. "I've never been one of those guys who comes over-muscly or too bulked up. I've done everything gradually and I feel fit and healthy at this weight."

"I wanted to see what shape Ruiz was in but clearly he wanted to hide it from me [wearing a t-shirt]. You can tell he's in good shape though and it should be a good tear-up. He's getting knocked out."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices