Haye vs. Harrison is Official
Posted by Jamie Mitchell on 09.07.2010
The time: Nov. 13 - The place: Manchester.
One of the worst kept secrets in the history of badly kept secrets was finally confirmed this morning - David Haye (24-1, 22 KO) will defend his WBA title against one-time friend, now bitter rival Audley Harrison (27-4, 20 KO). As predicted, the fight will take place at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on Saturday, November 13th.
Despite being ranked 13th by the WBA, Harrison has cut into the front of the queue as a result of a last-gasp knockout victory over Michael Sprott for the vacant European title back in April, and the 2000 Olympic gold medallist has been calling out the Hayemaker in the months since that sensational night.
The announcement marks the first all-British world heavyweight title showdown in 17 years, where Lennox Lewis stopped Frank Bruno in 7 rounds. However the difference in character between the ever-popular, nice guys of 1993's version of the Battle of Britain, could not be more drastic in comparison to today's protagonists.
Haye and Harrison have been keen practitioners of the art of trash-talking in the past, and with their well-documented falling out (Haye fought on one of Harrison's undercards at the start of their pro careers, only for Haye to reportedly snub Harrison's request to fight on one of his cards more recently), there won't be a shortage of sound bites in the build-up to this fight.
The war of words have already started in earnest. With the champ kicking off proceedings:
"At one stage I had a lot of respect for Audley, but over the years that respect has turned to disdain…It's now time for me to go out there and close the ‘Audley Harrison Show' once and for all. Audley's a big name, but he's known as a boxer that people want to see get destroyed. The public want to see one, final high-profile destruction of Audley Harrison, and I'm only too happy to do my duty for the British people."
Harrison was only too happy to reply in kind:
"David Haye and the boxing world will be in for a shock on November 13. I told Sky Sports in 2009, that destiny would bring me and David in the ring together. Haye rubbished it and so did the boxing world.
"I've said it many times that I will be a world champion before I retire and now I get the chance to fulfil my destiny in boxing. So go ahead, write me off but I can't wait for the day when A Force Harrison, destroys Mr Haye. Yes I can."
Stick with 411mania for the latest insults and barbs, right up until November 13th.
