Haye to make first defence against Ruiz

David Haye's heavyweight title is challenged by number one contender and former WBA champion John Ruiz.

Britain's David Haye will make the first defence of his World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title against John Ruiz in Manchester on April 3, it was announced Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Haye, a former world cruiserweight champion, won the title from giant Russian Nikolai Valuev in Germany in November.

Haye will face former WBA champion Ruiz, the number one contender, at the MEN Arena, in what he hopes will be a stepping stone to his aim of unifying the heavyweight division by beating the Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, who between them hold the World Boxing Council, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation titles.

- It's been 10 years since the heavyweight championship has been fought in Britain and everyone knows I had to go to Germany to take the title away from Nikolay Valuev - Haye said Tuesday.

- Now it's time to showcase my skills again in front of the great British public. And I'm delighted to have the fight at Manchester's MEN Arena.

- I've been there on many nights to watch Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, even Mike Tyson, and the atmosphere was always tremendous.

- I'm looking forward to getting back to what I do best - throwing my trademark 'Hayemakers'. Ruiz is a come-forward fighter so I aim to get at him, break him down, and take him out in good style - said Haye

Boxing great Oscar de la Hoya, of Golden Boy Promotions who promote both fighters, said: ''With his explosive fighting style, heart, youth and charisma, David Haye is the most exciting heavyweight in the world.''

- On the other hand, John Ruiz is a very experienced fighter who knows what it takes to dominate in the heavyweight division and to win when it counts in a big fight.

- I expect a great fight that fight fans shouldn't miss - added Haye

Haye had won 23 of his 24 professional fights, 21 by knockout, with one defeat while 38-year-old American Ruiz, who has won and lost the WBA title twice, has a record of 44 wins from 54 bouts with eight losses, a draw and one no contest.