Meehan made number one contender for Haye’s WBA title

Australia’s Kali Meehan has surprisingly been installed as the number one contender for David Haye’s WBA world heavyweight title in the governing body’s latest rankings. Meehan, who hasn’t fought in almost two years, must first meet former WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev in an eliminator on 22 May in Germany to secure a future shot at Haye. (N.B. Meehan is promoted by Don King - Ed.)

The 40 year-old Meehan, 35-3 (29), unsuccessfully challenged Lamon Brewster for the WBO title in September 2004 and looked unfortunate to concede a split decision. Arguably Brewster should have been stopped when Meehan had the American out on his feet in the eighth round.

Two months later, Meehan was stopped in four rounds by Hasim Rahman in an IBF, WBA and WBC title eliminator. The Australian’s only other defeat saw him blasted out in just 32 seconds by Danny Williams in their clash for the Commonwealth crown in June 2001.

Haye made a successful first defence of his WBA title by stopping John Ruiz in nine rounds in Manchester earlier this month, sending ‘The Quietman’ into retirement. ‘The Hayemaker’ has yet to finalise his next fight as he hopes to entice either of the Klitschko brothers into sharing a ring with him.

WBC champion Vitali will defend his title against Poland’s Albert Sosnowski on 29 May whilst reigning IBF & WBO king Wladimir is still to announce his next move after stopping Eddie Chambers in the final round of his latest title defence in March. It’s possible that Haye may make a voluntary title defence this summer before taking on one of the Klitschkos in a huge unification clash later this year.

The WBA’s current heavyweight title contenders

1. Kali Meehan

2. Ruslan Chagaev

3. Nikolai Valuev

4. Dennis Boytsov

5. John Ruiz (now retired)

6. Alexander Ustinov

7. Odlanier Solis

8. Alexander Dimitrenko

9. Tomasz Adamek

10. Fres Oquendo

11. Dennis Bakhtov