LONDON (AP) -Now that he's got a share of the world title, David Haye believes he will convince his critics he is the charismatic heavyweight star the sport needs.
The 29-year-old British fighter took the WBA title from 7-foot-2 Nikolai Valuev on Saturday and has a plan to unify the championship. It involves beating John Ruiz in his first defense and then knocking out either or both of the other world champions, brothers Vitaly and Wladimir Klitschko.
``I am not fussed which one it is,'' Haye said Monday. ``Whichever one is available, we'll sit round a table and make it happen. Fingers crossed they retain their titles and we can have a huge, huge, unification fight.''
Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, is handling Haye's business in the United States and envisions a fight with one of the Klitschkos in Las Vegas or even in London at the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium.
``I think he could be massive,'' Schaefer said. ``I think if he comes and fights in the United States against a Klitschko I have no doubt that the total global receipts would probably be like De La Hoya-Mayweather, close to $120 million for one fight.''
``These are staggering numbers. We have been searching for a heavyweight champion and he is. How big he's ultimately going to become, only the future is going to tell us.''
Haye, a former world cruiserweight champion, didn't have to show too much in Saturday's fight in Nuremberg, Germany.
Valuev did very little to keep his title, adopting a no-risk strategy behind his jab. The Russian lost on two of the judges' scorecards, the third scoring it a draw.
Haye said the tactic of staying away from the reach of the giant Russian was alien to his big-punching style and was proof that he could adapt his tactics.
He said the Ruiz fight, which he hopes will take place in London in March, would be much different.
``I feel I will knock out John Ruiz,'' Haye said. ``After beating some 7-foot-2 guy to fight someone a foot shorter than him, someone who weighs the same as me, it will be like having another cruiserweight fight and I will just blast straight through him.
``He's experienced and very tough and durable. He pushed Valuev close, he beat (Evander) Holyfield, he's beaten some good guys and is very underrated. He's got a big heart and he comes to win. But I feel I will out-skill him. I'm a better athlete.''
Haye said the victory over Valuev should silence critics who said he was out of his league among the heavyweights and couldn't take a punch.
``I have had so many people over the years try to convince me that I will never make it and say 'I told you so.' Being the heavyweight champion of the world there are a few people out there gutted that I won that,'' he said. ``I told everyone since I was a kid that would be the heavyweight champion of the world and I try not to lie.''
Haye broke a bone in his right hand in the early stages of the Valuev fight but is confident it won't endanger his defense against Ruiz.
``I saw John Ruiz fight on the undercard. He had a terrible cut on his forehead which will take time to heal up, maybe a similar sort of time to my hand,'' Haye said. ``I don't think there is any rush from his side to make it happen that quick. After Christmas and the beginning of January I will be able to start punching again.''
