Now that the heavyweight scenery has received a colorful splash of vivid energy and personality – in the form of new WBA champ David Haye – how can boxing best capitalize on this sudden change of momentum?
Would matching the Hayemaker with one of the same ol’, same ol’ tired characters from the passing era such as old blood John Ruiz further stimulate more growth and excitement? Or would it be a wasteful u-turn back to the wrong direction, where the sport should urgently try to move on from?
Or would asking WBA mandatory challenger Ruiz to take a vacation and wait an extra few months, while Haye defended his title against another exciting, fresh new blood heavyweight contender with a gigantic fan base such as Tomasz Adamek make more sense?
David Haye, the British phenomenon superhero against the all-time greatest Polish boxer, the two-time world champion Tomasz Adamek…two former cruiserweight champs who have successfully invaded the heavyweight ranks in style, doing battle in a mega event early in 2010. Does that sound logical and sensible to you, and in the best interests of the sport?
One can imagine the clash of these two sensational styles could only produce an excellent and fascinating heavyweight boxing event, something the sport has been lacking for a few years now. Far more aesthetic and compelling than Haye vs. The Quiet Man who, with all due respect, has not looked sensational in, well, a number of years, to put it kindly.
Would Adamek bring a larger live gate than Ruiz, considering the vast Polish contingent that would show up, no matter where the fight is staged? Yes. Would Adamek cause and effect a larger TV audience/rating in Poland, than Ruiz? Yes.
Who would you rather see Haye meet first, Ruiz or Adamek?
So with all that considered, and the reality that John Ruiz, as the WBA #1 would have to be taken care of, is it possible that Haye vs. Adamek could actually be made for early next year? Stay tuned…
