David Haye Says UFC Contacted Him About Fight With Jimi Manuwa
David Haye Says UFC Contacted Him About Fight With Jimi Manuwa
Boxing star David Haye says discussions are underway for a bout against MMA standout Jimi Manuwa.
By Shawn W. Smith
David Haye is a two-weight world champion in boxing, one of the most famous British boxers of the last 20 years. He is most famous for his epic encounters with Wladimir Klitschko and Dereck Chisora.
But his next opponent might be a little different.
In an online Q&A session, Haye said both UFC light heavyweight slugger Jimi Manuwa's management and the UFC have contacted him about a potential fight between the two bruising Brits.
When asked if he would entertain the fight, he said, "The answer is a resounding 'yes.'"
"I was very impressed with his quick knockout the other night at the O2 Arena," Haye said. "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."
Haye added that "Obviously it is a little way off being confirmed," but that it was a bout "that would unify a lot of the fans from both UFC and boxing and make a mega event."
UFC President Dana White, however, has denied Haye's claim, telling Yahoo! Sports' Kevin Iole the UFC is not in talks about the matchup.
Manuwa's most recent fight was a knockout of Corey Anderson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 107. He now has two straight victories, with his only losses coming against former title challengers Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson.
After the bout, Manuwa called for a fight against Haye.
Haye's last bout was less successful. After dominating the early portions of his heavyweight showdown with fellow Brit Tony Bellew, Haye suffered a ruptured achilles tendon, leaving him nearly unable to walk. Miraculously, Haye gritted his teeth and made it to the 11th round before his corner finally threw in the towel.
He remains a massive superstar in the United Kingdom and the fight would certainly be something that would draw a lot of intrigue from mainstream audiences.
David Haye is a two-weight world champion in boxing, one of the most famous British boxers of the last 20 years. He is most famous for his epic encounters with Wladimir Klitschko and Dereck Chisora.
But his next opponent might be a little different.
In an online Q&A session, Haye said both UFC light heavyweight slugger Jimi Manuwa's management and the UFC have contacted him about a potential fight between the two bruising Brits.
When asked if he would entertain the fight, he said, "The answer is a resounding 'yes.'"
"I was very impressed with his quick knockout the other night at the O2 Arena," Haye said. "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."
Haye added that "Obviously it is a little way off being confirmed," but that it was a bout "that would unify a lot of the fans from both UFC and boxing and make a mega event."
UFC President Dana White, however, has denied Haye's claim, telling Yahoo! Sports' Kevin Iole the UFC is not in talks about the matchup.
Manuwa's most recent fight was a knockout of Corey Anderson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 107. He now has two straight victories, with his only losses coming against former title challengers Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson.
After the bout, Manuwa called for a fight against Haye.
Haye's last bout was less successful. After dominating the early portions of his heavyweight showdown with fellow Brit Tony Bellew, Haye suffered a ruptured achilles tendon, leaving him nearly unable to walk. Miraculously, Haye gritted his teeth and made it to the 11th round before his corner finally threw in the towel.
He remains a massive superstar in the United Kingdom and the fight would certainly be something that would draw a lot of intrigue from mainstream audiences.