David Haye Starts with a Bang
Published October 16, 2008 by Martin Bean
David Haye announced his arrival to the Heavyweight division in emphatic fashion by destroying Monte Barrett inside five rounds at London’s O2 Arena last night.
Barrett hit the canvas four times on the way to defeat and Haye now seems set to take on Wladimir Klitschko or his older brother Vitali for a version of the world heavyweight title in the near future.
The fight started in cagey fashion, with both fighters seeming content to have a look at each other. Thereafter, Barrett tried to get close to Haye and rough him up on the inside to make all of his natural Heavyweight frame count.
Alas, it was not to be for Barrett. Haye maintained his composure at all time and launched some fantastic punches of his own. The message to Heavyweight rivals was clear—I may be coming up from Cruiserweight but my power still does the job up here.
Barrett tasted the canvas twice in the third, again in the fourth before Haye found himself on the canvas in round 5 after a slip. Barrett hit Haye whilst he was down, resulting in the American having a point deducted by referee, Richie Davies.
The end of the fight was to come shortly after and it completed a fantastic night for Hayemaker; Ryan Rhodes captured the WBC International Title with a victory over tough South African, Vincent Vuma. Rhodes took a unanimous points decision that catapults him into the top 10 of the WBC ratings.
Tottenham’s Michael Grant notched a good six round points victory over the tough Gary Reid. Grant, in his first fight since linking up with Johnny Eames looked sharp but was put to the canvas in round four. The Londoner recovered well and was a clear winner but will need to make sure his defence improves as he climbs the domestic ratings.
In other results, Hayemaker prospects George Groves and Michael Maguire were both winners—Groves won a six round decision on his debut against Kirill Pshonko whilst Maguire gained his second victory in stunning fashion, via first round stoppage against Iordan Vasilev.
Other Results:
Joe McNally W RSF 3 Lester Walsh
John Watson W PTS 4 Silence Saheed
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