Former undisputed world cruiserweight champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye has signed a contract to meet current World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev on November 7, at a location yet to be decided.

Expected to take place in Germany, ‘The Hayemaker’s scheduled 12-rounder with ‘The Beast From The East’ will pair the world’s most exciting heavyweight commodity with the world’s largest.

“I am thrilled to announce that my dream of becoming world heavyweight champion will be realised on November 7, when I challenge the tallest and heaviest champion of all time, Nikolai Valuev,” said Haye.

Standing at a whopping 7-feet-2-inches tall and weighing a similarly staggering 320-pounds (23 stone), Russian-born Valuev is the tallest and heaviest ever world boxing champion. He has yet to be floored or knocked out in his 16-year professional career.

Currently 50-1 (34 KO) as a pro, ‘The Beast From The East’ has proven his heavyweight credentials with wins over John Ruiz (twice), Evander Holyfield and Monte Barrett. The 35-year-old will be making the second defence of his second reign as WBA champion when he meets British hope Haye.

“Valuev’s known as ‘The Beast From The East’ and there’s a reason he’s got that nickname - he’s a big, ugly, sweaty and hairy man from the Eastern Bloc,” said Haye, who has weighed as low as 189-pounds (13st 7lbs) in his seven-year pro career and stands at a comparatively minute 6-feet-3-inches.

“Valuev is eight stone heavier than me and a foot taller than me. David only needed a slingshot and a stone to flatten Goliath, and I’m convinced my right hand generates more power than a stone.”

Having spent the best part of 2009 negotiating contracts with both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, Haye is eager to put the record straight on why he won’t be opposing one of the brothers in his next bout.

“There were reports in the German press that I had signed to fight Vitali Klitschko in September, but those reports were never true,” explained Haye.

“There have been long and exhausting discussions about the clash, but unfortunately I could never put my name to the fight contract the Klitschkos offered. The level of disrespect they have shown me throughout has left me feeling insulted.

“As for signing the contract, now that I realise just how much support and interest I have from the people in Germany, it would have been like selling my soul to the devil. I will not be a slave fighter.”

Despite the disappointment of the Klitschko bout falling through, Haye remains upbeat at the opportunity of knocking out Valuev and securing a future unification showdown with either brother.

“Once I have snatched Valuev’s title, I will be happy to battle out heavyweight supremacy with the Klitschkos, but only on equal and fair terms,” said Haye.

“As the WBA heavyweight champion, I should be able to meet them without having to sign my life away. Beating Valuev and taking his WBA title is my best chance of securing unification.

“I only hope the Klitschkos still want to fight me after I have slayed ‘The Beast’.”

Set to concede upwards of 110-pounds (8st) in weight on November 7, Haye is a former WBC, WBA and WBO cruiserweight (200-pounds or 14st 4lbs) champion who thrives on the task in hand. Ever since emulating Holyfield and unifying the cruiserweight division in 2008, Haye has been earmarked as potential saviour of the heavyweights.

The 28-year-old Haye, 22-1 (21 KO), exploded on the world heavyweight scene last November with a fifth-round stoppage of common opponent Barrett. He promises a similar result on November 7.

“I can’t wait to step into the ring on November 7 and prove that size doesn’t matter,” said Haye. “Mark my words: I will be the first man to knock Nikolai Valuev out.”

*** ‘DAVID VS. GOLIATH’, the world heavyweight title blockbuster between David Haye and Nikolai Valuev, will be screened live and exclusively in the United Kingdom on Sky Box Office ***

Tickets are now available for the IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight title fight between champion Wladimir ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ Klitschko and former cruiserweight king David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye.

The blockbuster showdown will take place on Saturday, June 20 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen and tickets are expected to go quickly for what is undoubtedly the biggest heavyweight bout in years.

Tickets for the event cost 24 euros (standing), 39 euros (upper tier) and 49 euros (lower tier) and can be purchased on the Internet from www.ts-ticketshop.de. Ringside seats on the pitch will be 490 euros for outer ringside and 650 euros for inner ringside.

Telephone orders can be made by calling the ticket hotline on 01805-150810 (€0.14/minute, call charges from mobile phone networks may vary), and purchases can also be made from the S04-ServiceCenter (Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm).

Related links:

www.ts-ticketshop.de

www.eventim.de

www.veltins-arena.de/index_en.php

This afternoon in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye went head-to-head with world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in the first of many press conferences ahead of their June 20 showdown at the Veltins-Arena.

Continuing the themes of decapitation and antagonism, ex-WBC, WBA and WBO cruiserweight kingpin Haye turned up to the conference sporting a brand new t-shirt – once against depicting the Klitschkos at his feet, both devoid of heads.

The tone was immediately set.

“That is terrible. It's unspeakable, it's impudent," Klitschko said, upon viewing the t-shirt, soon to be available to buy on www.hayemaker.com.

"I am going to give him a lesson in good behaviour. First, I wanted to knock him out in the first round. But now I want to make it a long process and I want to enjoy it, and then I will knock him out in the 12th round.

"I hope he doesn't go down too early."

Eager to get under the heavyweight champion’s skin, Haye wasn’t about to terminate his verbal volley on the normally reserved fighting brothers.

"There is no chance the fight will go 12 rounds, unless he gets a chin transplant,” spat Haye. “It will be his last fight. When I smash him to bits, he will retire. Vitali (Klitschko) will throw in the towel to save you - he will pick you off the floor.”

The 28-year-old Haye also made a point of deflecting questions regarding his weight. In coming up from the 200-pound cruiserweight division, Haye stands to concede between 20 and 30 pounds to Klitschko on June 20.

"He'll discover I'm a real heavyweight," Haye, 22-1 (21 KO), assured. "My weight is not important as long as I am fit, healthy and motivated – 205-pounds is enough to fight Wladimir. I've been losing weight all my career. Now I'm coming in at my normal weight.

"I am in my prime. I want to fight him now because otherwise he'll be running if I keep knocking people out. He has been fighting over-the-hill people. He will realize I am the real deal. I've watched a lot of him and I'm not impressed - jab, jab, jab, grab. He's been fighting people so old and out of shape they fall over after a few rounds."

Perhaps engaging in the first slanging match of his whole hush-hush, albeit highly successful career, Klitschko wasn’t about to lie down in the face of Haye’s taunts.

"He has made himself very loud, but he is young and he still doesn't know how to keep his emotions in check," Klitschko, 52-3 (46 KO), said. "I am really looking forward to this fight. I have been waiting a long time."

Ultimately, though, the final word was left to Haye, the flashy, quick-fisted puncher who has single-handedly revitalised the long-time stagnant world heavyweight scene in recent months.

"I wanted to get his attention, to show that I mean business," Haye said, flattening out his now infamous t-shirt for the cameras. "And now I've declared war on the entire family, Vitali will have to avenge his brother, and then I'll beat him too."

After months of negotiations the world heavyweight title blockbuster between Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye has finally been signed. The eagerly awaited heavyweight showdown will officially take place on June 20 at a venue soon to be decided.

Former WBC, WBA and WBO world cruiserweight champion Haye will challenge consensus number one heavyweight Klitschko, the reigning IBF, WBO and IBO titleholder, in the most talked-about heavyweight clash in recent years.

“I’ve been chasing Wladimir around the negotiating table for the past three months and we’ve now finally got him where we want him,” says the 28-year-old Haye, whose last heavyweight outing was a five-round demolition of perennial contender Monte Barrett.

“I’ll be chasing Wladimir in exactly the same manner on June 20. He’s already showed me his hand through the way he’s negotiated. He has never wanted this fight, and was only going to agree to it when the odds were stacked in his favour.

“Wladimir wants to feel comfortable inside the ring and at the negotiating table. He was as reluctant to put pen to paper for this fight as he is when throwing a right hand.

“He’s a mentally weak fighter and has been terrified to take risks ever since he was blitzed by a semi-pro golfer (Corrie Sanders).”

Boasting a 52-3 (46 KO) career record, Klitschko cuts a fearsome figure at the top of the heavyweight ladder. Fresh off a one-sided stoppage win over ex-champion Hasim Rahman, Klitschko represents the ultimate test of Haye’s heavyweight ambition.

“I’ve been studying Wladimir for years,” adds Haye, 22-1 (21 KO). “I’ve watched all his fights and have noticed all his traits and habits. I know Wladimir better than Vitali knows him. I know Wladimir better than he knows himself.

“I guarantee I’ll knock him out in spectacular fashion. I’m his worst nightmare.”

Although obviously delighted to secure a shot at the world heavyweight title, Haye is aware that victory over Klitschko could symbolise something even bigger.

“I’m taking this fight to save boxing,” says ‘The Hayemaker’. “I’m doing this for Jack Dempsey, Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and all the other great, smaller heavyweights of the past.

“I feel as though I’ve been sent by all the great heavyweights of yesteryear to clean up and save the heavyweight division. I’m a man on a mission to save boxing from this Eastern European invasion of Ivan Drago clones. The clean-up operation starts with Wladimir on June 20.”

*** The June 20 world heavyweight title showdown between Klitschko and Haye will be televised live by Setanta Sports.

David Haye and Hayemaker Boxing will arrive in Liverpool on Monday, December 15 for a press conference to announce details of the blockbuster HAYEMAKER 6 show to be held on March 28, 2009 in Europe's Capital of Culture.

Promoter Adam Booth and Head of Boxing Dave Coldwell will join former world cruiserweight champion Haye at the Jury's Inn Hotel (30 feet from the entrance to the Echo Arena) on Monday, with proceedings getting underway at around 11 AM.

Also present at the press conference will be Liverpool-based Hayemaker boxers Derry Mathews, Tony Dodson, John Watson and Joe McNally as well as two-time British light-middleweight champion Ryan Rhodes.

Full details of HAYEMAKER 6 will be announced at the press conference.

"It was always a logical move to come to Liverpool given the amount of Liverpool-based fighters we have in our stable," explains Haye, an ex WBC, WBA and WBO world cruiserweight king and current heavyweight contender.

"The fight fans in Liverpool are some of the best in the country and they always come out and support their own. They love a good scrap in that neck of the woods and I'm sure the people of Liverpool can't wait to support a selection of their own boxing on the same night."

As well as expressing his delight at landing a show in Liverpool, heavyweight sensation Haye will also discuss his own future in the heavyweight division. 'The Hayemaker' will be on hand to analyse the weekend's world title bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Hasim Rahman, as well as outline his plans for 2009.

"I'm certain 2009 will be the year I win the world heavyweight title and now it's all about tracking down Wladimir Klitschko and snatching his belt," says Haye, who will be ringside in Germany for Saturday's bout between Klitschko and Rahman.

"If I have to take a fight before beating Klitschko then that's what I'll do. I'll knock out whoever is put in front of me, and that includes both Klitschko brothers."

Hayemaker Director Adam Booth is excited by the opportunity of bringing HAYEMAKER 6 to Liverpool and presenting his talented stable of fighters with the chance to strut their stuff in front of home support.

"We're lucky enough to have some of the best boxers in Liverpool belonging to our Hayemaker stable of fighters," says Booth. "We always had the intention of working with a number of Liverpool boxers because we realised what a great opportunity it would be to put on a show in Liverpool.

"In Derry Mathews and Tony Dodson, we have two exciting fighters gunning for title opportunities and willing to take the necessary risks to get there. Meanwhile, John Watson and Joe McNally are two of the brightest prospects in British boxing right now and are well on their way to becoming quality fighters."

Further information regarding HAYEMAKER 6 in Liverpool will be revealed at Monday's press conference. The conference will take place at the Jury's Inn Hotel, 30 feet from the Echo Arena, and will commence from 11 AM.

*** For more information on HAYEMAKER 6 and other upcoming Hayemaker shows, please visit the official website at www.hayemaker.com.

Irish fight fans could witness one of the domestic fights of 2009 when Belfast hero Martin 'Mac Man' Lindsay attempts to snatch the British featherweight title from reigning champion Paul Appleby on March 7 at the Ulster Hall, Belfast.

The fascinating battle of unbeaten prospects will match Hayemaker star Lindsay against Scotsman Appleby, the current Boxing Writer's 'Young Boxer of the Year'. The intriguing 12-rounder will be screened live and exclusively on Setanta Sports.

Belfast-born Lindsay, a former amateur standout and unblemished pro, set up his shot at the prestigious Lonsdale title with a stunning, come-from-behind knockout of fellow Hayemaker featherweight Derry Mathews in September. Despite narrowly trailing on the scorecards going into the ninth round, Lindsay uncorked a savage left-hook to emphatically end matters.

At 26 years of age and with 13 pro wins to his name, Lindsay feels the time is right to take Appleby's coveted prize on March 7.

"It wouldn't matter who was holding the title – I want that belt," claims Lindsay, 13-0 (5 KO). "Appleby's a good young fighter with lots of ability, but nobody is standing in my way of winning the British title.

"Whenever you turn pro, you want to be fighting for the British title, the European title and even bigger titles. You want to be involved in big fights that get people talking. What's the point in hanging around? I want to get in there and test myself – find out how good I am."

Edinburgh champion Appleby is one of the outstanding pro talents in Britain. Also 13-0 (8 KO), Appleby has already claimed the scalps of top domestic contenders John Simpson and Esham Pickering. A spiteful puncher to head and body, Appleby, still only 21 years of age, shows no fear in conceding home advantage to mandatory challenger Lindsay.

"This is a great fight for British boxing, and both Appleby and Lindsay are a credit to the sport," says Hayemaker Head of Boxing Dave Coldwell. "We're delighted to be able to work again with Tommy Gilmour and Matchroom on this show and are pleased that we came to an agreement to stage this fight in Belfast.

"This fight proves that when so-called 'rival' promoters have healthy relationships and are happy to work together, the best domestic fights get made. Paul and Tommy had no hesitation defending the belt in Belfast. Both are very confident in Paul's ability."

Hayemaker Director Adam Booth predicts fireworks in the HAYEMAKER 5 main event.

"It's a brilliant fight," adds Booth. "Appleby and Lindsay are two of the best prospects in this country and they are getting it on at a time in their careers when many other young fighters would shy away from the fight.

"Appleby's a great talent but, ultimately, I feel Lindsay's better amateur pedigree and more patient counter-punching will win him the British title. I can see Martin stopping Appleby in the later rounds."

*** For more information on HAYEMAKER 5 and other upcoming Hayemaker shows, please visit the official website at www.hayemaker.com.

Amateur standouts 'The Saint' George Groves and Michael Maguire will return to their old amateur stamping ground on Sunday, February 1^st, only this time they'll be appearing at the illustrious York Hall in Bethnal Green as professionals.

Now promising, unbeaten pros, Groves and Maguire will form part of HAYEMAKER 4, an intimate non-TV show at Britain's home of boxing. The February 1^st date gives both Groves and Maguire an incentive to stay busy over Christmas and continue their unbeaten runs into the New Year.

Former two-time Senior ABA champion Groves, currently 1-0 as a pro, is straining at the leash to re-visit the home of his proudest amateur nights.

"I won my second ABA title at the York Hall in May, and now I'll be having my second pro fight at the same venue in February," says the 20-year-old Groves. "You couldn't ask for a better place to box. When the York Hall is packed out to the rafters it creates an atmosphere like no other boxing arena. It may not be the biggest venue, but it definitely has the most character."

Middleweight prospect Groves kicked off his pro career in style at The O2 in November when he dominated Lithuanian import Kirill Pshonko over six rounds. Long and rangy, and a spiteful puncher when he plants his feet, Groves showed a bit of everything on November 15, whilst admitting he's still learning the ropes.

"It was good to get the six rounds out of the way and I felt I handled the distance really well," admits Groves. "I didn't feel tired at all, and felt like I could do another six on top of that.

"The guy I was boxing was very tough, very cagey and knew how to mess me about for six rounds. I'm going to have to learn how to break down those types of opponents as I move along. It will definitely be all six-rounders from this point on, though."

Also present on November 15 was Peterborough prodigy Maguire, a former European Union gold medallist and fellow undefeated pro. Currently 2-0 (1 KO) in the pro game, bantamweight Maguire scored his first professional knockout in November as he crippled Bulgarian Iordan Vasilev with a single body shot in the opening round.

"I was ready for another four-rounder and managed to line him up and finish it with a sweet body shot," says the 19-year-old Maguire. "It was good to finish the fight early, especially as the guy I was boxing turned up in good shape and was ready to give me a proper fight. It was a surprise to get him out of there that quickly."

Winner of eight national amateur titles, as well as a European Junior gold medal, Maguire also has fond memories of Bethnal Green's York Hall.

"I beat one of the top Americans (David Clark) at the York Hall last November in a GB vs. USA amateur show," adds Michael. "I stopped him in the second round and a lot of people were saying it was the performance of the night. All my fans packed the place out and it was a really good show. I'm hoping for more of the same on February 1^st."

*** For more information on HAYEMAKER 4 and other upcoming Hayemaker shows, please visit the official website at www.hayemaker.com.

What's up!

Just letting you know about a great deal going down at The O2 and on Ticketmaster for my fight with Monte 'Two Gunz' Barrett on November 15 at The O2.

If you're looking to order tickets for the fight you can now get a crazy deal of 2-for-1 on any ticket priced over £80. That means you can get two £80 tickets for the price of just one! The same offer applies on the £125, £250, £500 and £750 tickets. If you get one, you'll get another one absolutely free. It's an offer probably way too good to pass up.

In another great bit of news, we've also found out today that my fight with Barrett will go ahead at 11.15 pm rather than in the early hours of the morning. It was originally planned to take place at around 2 am, but I'd prefer to have all my British fans able to watch it at a practical hour so we managed to get it shifted. Having it at 11.15 pm makes it ideal for those watching the fight live at The O2 and also those catching it on Setanta Sports.

With the fight going ahead earlier it now means it will be so much easier for my fans to get away from The O2 at the end of the event. We won't all have to struggle to get trains or get through traffic jams at 3 am this time round.

Training-wise, everything's been spot on for this fight. I'm ready to go and am heading back to England on Monday. We'll be having a pre-fight press conference next Thursday (November 13) and a public weigh-in next Friday (November 14), both at The O2. All my fans are welcome to both and we'll be releasing details of the times at some point early next week.

Hope to see you all down at The O2 next week! I can't wait!

David Haye

AKA The Hayemaker

P.S. If you want to take advantage of that amazing O2 ticket offer, hit either one of the following websites.

www.theo2.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

http://www.theo2.co.uk/event/david-haye-heavyweight-debut-20081115.html

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/12004125E4F55466?did=hayeoff&brand=theo2&camefrom=CFC_UK_AEGTHEO2_WMAIN000000WEB