Haye: “Hopkins fight will never happen”

David Haye didn’t quite go the distance on Saturday night when halting John Ruiz in nine rounds but he had no intention of just tucking up and lying in bed in the aftermath of his latest venture. On Monday morning he made two appearances on BBC radio giving weight to evidence that the British media have found their new boxing superstar.

It was only 8.30 am on a bank holiday but the WBA heavyweight champion found the energy to quickly put to rest rumours of a future fight with Bernard Hopkins despite the American calling him out after finally gaining revenge over bitter enemy Roy Jones at the weekend.

“I don’t want to fight Hopkins. He was one of my idols but he’s 45 and the Jones fight was dire. He’s just after a big pay day,” said Haye, bluntly.

Contrary to reports, Haye said former foe Nikolai Valuev is not in a mandatory position to face him but it could happen if it’s the fight that makes the most money. Haye, however, has his eyes firmly set on a match with either of the Klitschko brothers and the good news for British fans is it could be on home soil.

“I don’t want to go anywhere else, I want to fight at Wembley and want one of the Klitschko’s in the UK,” confirmed Haye.

He was also quick to give Ruiz credit for his display of courage. “Ruiz came to fight but I knew no human being could take that punishment. I was aiming for his mouth and nose rather than his hard head. He fully earned his purse.”

Although Haye was never in any serious trouble throughout the fight he’s already feeling the after effects of battle and added it will take two weeks for pain in his arms, neck and back to heal. David left the ring without bearing any outward marks of war which is more than can be said for Ruiz who will take slightly longer than a fortnight to recover from his beating.

Going into the fight Haye didn’t play his game of heavy trash talk but promises normal business will be resumed when one of the Klitschko’s is facing him.

“I’ll have a few treats in store for them. I like all the verbals and when my opponent says he will knock me out. It will be a genuine grudge match, they despise me, I am a proper wind up merchant.”

David sure is ticking right on time. The Haye watch will be going full speed ahead at the sound of Vitali or Wladimir clocking in.