Haye could earn $120m to turn his back on Britain
NEW WBA heavyweight champion David Haye could take a share of a whopping $120m purse if he turns his back on Wembley and opts to go stateside for a unification bout with one of the Klitschko brothers.
Many of the world’s top venues have been clamouring to host a 2010 super-fight since Haye became Britain’s newest heavyweight world champion on Saturday night with a points victory over Russian giant Nikolai Valuev in Germany.
Haye makes his first title defence against American John Ruiz in the new year, but it’s a potential summer showdown with either of the Klitschkos which is whetting the appetite of the promoters.
Already, Haye’s representatives have been in talks with Wembley Stadium chiefs, but, according to promoter Richard Schaefer, the Americans are desperate to get a piece of the new champion.
“He could be massive,” said Golden Boy chief executive Schaefer. “If he comes and fights in the United States against one of the Klitschkos, I have no doubt that the total global receipts could be close to $120m for one fight.
“We will see how far his talent, willpower and charisma will carry him but I have a feeling, given the current landscape of the heavyweight division, that he will clean it up and become undisputed heavyweight champion.”