An all-British fight against a UFC fighter is being touted.
David Haye is currently recovering from surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon, but rather than dwelling on his sixth round defeat to Tony Bellew, he’s focusing on the future.
While his recovery period is lengthy, Haye was more than happy to discuss his future plans during a recent online Q&A session.
When asked about a potential fight against UFC fighter and fellow Londoner Jimi Manuwa, Haye’s response was very encouraging.
“The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. I was very impressed with his quick knock out the other night at the O2 Arena. If any of the mixed martial artists can convert over to be a successful boxer he has definitely got the body shape and style to do so,” he said.
Haye also said that contact has been made between both camps regarding a future fight.
“Yeah we have heard from Manuwa’s management and UFC so it is something that we are looking at at the moment. Obviously it is a little way off being confirmed. But it is a fight that would unify a lot of the fans from both UFC and boxing and make a mega event”, he added.
While the biggest fight of any potential boxing-UFC crossover is obviously the Mayweather v McGregor showdown, Manuwa reckons that his potential bout against Haye should be on the same card.
“David Haye, let’s do this. We’re two of the hardest hitters in London. I think that the fight makes sense. Conor wants to fight Mayweather, why not have me against David Haye on the same card?”
Given the fact that Manuwa requires approval from the UFC before competing, combined with Haye’s clear intention to get a rematch with Bellew, it’s unlikely that any showdown between the Londoners will occur.
This being said, we all know that money talks.
