Haye and Harrison bout confirmed for November
Sky Sports News released a statement today that WBA heavyweight champion David Haye will defend his title against European champion Audley Harrison at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on 13 November. The fight will be shown on Sky Box Office Pay-per-view.
Haye is the favourite and needed the fight since he has only fought once this year. In choosing to defend against Harrison he faces criticism from those who point out he should defend against other contenders such as Alexander Povetkin or Tomasz Adamek.
Harrison, a former Olympic gold medallist, is ranked no. 13 in the WBA’s rankings, but managed to secure the fight due to his recent knockout of Michael Sprott.
Harrison and Haye have a history together, initially as friends and more recently as foes. Harrison stated that a dispute relating to an undercard was never resolved. Harrison said he let Haye fight on one of his cards, and the favour was never returned.
Haye confirmed the state of the relationship. “At one stage I had a lot of respect for Audley, but over the years that respect has turned to disdain.”
Haye spoke about the fight, saying: “It's now time for me to go out there and close the Audley Harrison show once and for all. Audley's a big name, but he's known as a boxer that people want to see get destroyed. The public want to see one final high-profile destruction of Audley Harrison, and I'm only too happy to do my duty for the British people."
In response Harrison argued the boxing world would be in for a surprise: "David Haye and the boxing world will be in for a shock on November 13. I told Sky Sports in 2009, that destiny would bring me and David in the ring together. [Back then] Haye rubbished it and so did the boxing world.”
The bout will mark the first time two Britons will compete for the heavyweight title in 17 years.
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