David “The HayeMMAker” Haye?
April 10, 2008
by Matthew Blankenship, JarryPark.com contributor
Current WBA, WBC, and WBO World Cruiserweight title holder, David “Hayemaker” Haye, recently told the Southwark News (UK) that he wants to try his hand at mixed martial arts after the age of 30. The 27-year-old Haye, who recently beat Enzo Maccarinelli in a title unification bout at the O2 Arena in London, England, has already stated his intention to move up to boxing’s heavyweight ranks to “clean up that disgraceful division.”
Furthermore, he also said that he would like to retire from boxing at the age of 31. That’s when he would like to make the move to MMA.
If Haye stays true to his word (and we all know how that goes) this could be huge for MMA and, more specifically, the UFC.
Sure, it’s a few years away but it’s certainly a step in the right direction in the ongoing MMA vs. boxing argument. Haye is a promoter’s dream: A savvy trash talker, a KO artist, and a fighter who possesses a marketable look. No one David Haye’s caliber in the boxing world has every entertained the thought of competing in MMA.
Haye believes that he would only need a year of solid MMA training before he has ready to fight on the big stage. And you know what? I believe him. Here’s why:
