Paul's Press Ups: David Haye special

BoxRec News correspondent Paul Foley opens up the pages of David Haye’s pre-fight diary. The London Evening Standard hired the Hayemaker to write a four day journal and as with most things concerning the Bermondsey boy it was somewhat compelling reading!

David opened up his first print four rounder by revealing ‘The power of owning a heavyweight title.’ “It is said that winning a heavyweight title can improve a fighter by up to 100 per cent. It is also said that it can be a life changing experience. I definitely agree with both those statements.”

Haye has been basking in the glory of huge public interest since dethroning Nikolai Valuev last November and says winning the title has moved him on to the next level. “The title has given me opportunities and power and I’m going to maximise both, starting with a spectacular first defence against John Ruiz.”

It is clear to see that David is enjoying being on top of the world and has no intention of returning to earth. Ruiz for his part wants to help David get his feet back on the ground but I think there is more chance of Ruiz falling flat on his face! Tuesday’s entry included Haye getting himself in the ‘Write frame of mind’ by working on his latest project of producing the Hayemaker Magazine which he feels is the kind of good venture he needs.

“Too many distractions can be bad for any sportsman. Sometimes however the odd one or two can allow you to stay sane and slowly build focus in order to peak at the right time.”

The magazine looks as if it will be hard hitting stuff (just like his right hand) including interviews with Amir Khan, England football captain Rio Ferdinand and Olympic champion Linford Christie. Haye conducted the interviews himself and found it a fulfilling experience.

“It was strange for me to conduct the interviews. Usually I’m the one answering the questions, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t be happier with the finished project.”

On Saturday Haye needs to finish an assignment of keeping hold of his WBA heavyweight belt. I hope it will be alright on the night. Any celebrity who has captured the imagination knows they owe a huge debt to their fans and David used Wednesday’s shorthand to highlight this. The headline read ‘My loud and proud fans will help me home in on success.’ And Haye was quick in paying tribute to the importance of a vocal following after winning his title away from home.

“I was astonished to see so many Brits there as I fully expected to be heavily outnumbered by Valuev’s German fans. But all I could see when entering the ring were dozens of Union Jack flags and all I could hear were chants about me and my country.”

Maybe we should spare a thought for Ruiz who apart from his trainer and manager will find very few cheers coming his way. Haye for his part will feel at home with 20,000 fans packed into Manchester’s MEN Arena screaming him on. Ruiz will certainly feel like an uninvited guest. I wonder how long he will stay?

Into his last write and Haye was grateful to be fighting someone his own size again. “When we face each other, what will become obvious is that he is a lot smaller than ‘The Beast’- Nikolai Valuev. Ruiz is certainly no match for Valuev in the height or weight stakes."

“This time I’ve been given an opponent standing at around 6ft 2ins and scaling a mere 16st. It feels like I’m fighting a human being as opposed to something captured from a Russian cave.”

For all of Valuev’s size David still had no problem in finding the target and because he is now back on equal terms what evidence do we have to suggest Ruiz will be any more elusive? Haye may not have the height or weight of the Russian Goliath but he is immensely talented at making his opponents appear extremely small.

Watch out Ruiz the English giant is coming to get you!