David Haye's stunning win over giant Russian heavyweight Nickolay Valuev earlier this month has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through an otherwise moribund division. However, now that the dust has had time to settle, the important question is where does Haye go from here?  There are some very exciting matchups to be made, assuming he gets past his first defence against the evergreen John Ruiz.  A lot will depend on the rules of the WBA, its politics and ultimately the power of negotiation.  Whatever happens, doors will undoubtedly open for Haye, now the proud possessor of one of the “big four” belts and he is certainly the most marketable heavyweight in the world.  A superstar in the making.

John Ruiz (44-8-1)

Firstly lets analyse Haye's mandatory defence.  Ruiz has undoubtedly been around the block, having faced many quality heavyweights, particularly in the later half of his professional career.  He brings plenty of experience with him after 54 heavyweight battles.  However his performances have proven dubious at times, due to an unattractive fighting style, (which he now claims he has remedied via his display against Serin) and ultimately facing what can be termed as fringe contenders in Jameel McCline, Fres Oqendo and Andrew Golota, and losing a decision (later changed to a No Contest) again James Toney.  It is clear that Ruiz has struggled to remain in top contention for some time.  With losses in the previous years to smaller men in the shape of Roy Jones Junior and Evander Holyfield he has much to prove in order to justify his high WBA ranking.  He will struggle with Haye's speed, movement, and power.  If Haye’s hand has fully healed then he should stop Ruiz, becoming only the second man to do so after David Tua.  For Haye to lose here would be an unmitigated disaster for the heavyweight division and British boxing.

Klitschko Brothers (91-5 combined)

The heavyweight equivalent of Mount Everest, whichever man Haye gets to fight.  Only a five men (Brewster, Sanders, Puritty, Lewis and Byrd) have ever beaten these gigantic brothers.  Much has been reported on their dominance of the division and little needs repeating here.  This would be Haye's most dangerous option.  Vladimir has benefited from a tightened defence, courtesy of Emmanuel Steward, and Vitali has staged a monumental comeback to establish his place in the heavyweight elite.  Both would have at least 3 inches in height and at least 20 pounds of extra muscle mass on Haye.  However, Haye's power, speed and movement makes him a decent and credible challenger, especially to Vladimir, who is often thought of as having a shaky chin.  It would take a sublime boxing masterclass to separate these brothers from their titles.  Additionally, they have the ambition of holding all the major belts and the WBA belt is the only belt they do not possess between them.  Haye would have to box defensively as per Valuev, whilst also incorporating a much more detailed attack.  Precision, panache and controlled aggression would be the key to success for David and he can do it, especially if the fight takes place in the UK with hometown advantage.

Eddie Chambers and Alexander Povetkin  (35 – 1, and 17- 0 respectively)

Either of these men would present a tough challenge for Haye.  Both a far better size of heavyweight (where Haye is concerned), Haye would enjoy the advantage of a level playing field physically.  However, both are proven, Chambers especially with his excellent win over a much larger Dimitrenko, and Povetkin has a good win over top former amateur in Jason Estrada.  Chambers has good speed, possesses good boxing skills and is willing to go the distance to win. Povetkin has excellent amateur pedigree, a good range of punches and has steadily worked his way through the ranks.  Both can dig too.  If fact, it would not surprise me if the Klitschkos were kept busy with these two contenders before Haye gets a look in, but boxing is never so simple.

Tomasz Adamek and Odlanier Solis  (39 –1 and 15 – 0 respectively)

A fight against either of these men would spark huge excitement in my mind.  Adamek has entered the heavyweight ranks in similar fashion to Haye, via knocking out a heavyweight “name” after having crested the top of the cruiserweight division.  The likeable Pole is a sharp boxer, with power to boot and has been tested at top level.  Hold the fight  in the UK, Poland or Germany and there would undoubtedly be massive interest in PPV sales as both men are heroes in their respective countries.

Odlanier Solis is the wildcard.  A steller amateur, wining no less than 3 World Championship Golds, plus one Olympic Gold there is no doubt that he is one day destined to be world champion, provided he can control his weight.  However his recent demolition of Monte Barrett in double quick time, plus the return of his amateur trainer, who may well restore discipline with regards to weight (ideally Odlanier would return to around 230 pounds rather than 270 odd) we could see Odlanier emerging to contention very soon.  Add the fact that Odlanier beat Haye in the amateurs and you have a mouth-watering grudge match…not to be missed!

I cannot see a return with Valuev happening any time soon.  It is clear that Haye has a minefield ahead of him if he wishes to follow Manny Pacquios footsteps and face the best.  It will take time and I can only wish him luck.  If any British boxer has the tools to succeed in the heavyweight elite currently, it is David.