David Haye and British fight fans await Maccarinelli response

19.12.06 – The biggest and most exciting match-up in the world cruiserweight division could and should still happen, despite an air of sudden uncertainty on the part of promoter Frank Warren. The prospect of a clash between fan favourites David Haye – European champion and WBC no.2 ranked contender – and Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli – WBO belt holder – appears too good to pass up. Yet, despite going public with a £150,000 offer to Maccarinelli and promoter Warren, Frank Maloney and Haye’s manager and trainer Adam Booth are yet to hear anything back in return..

”Frank Maloney (promoter) has offered £150,000 to get the ball rolling on this fight,” explained Booth, who also had a mock-up poster of Haye-Maccarinelli published in the December 15 issue of Boxing News.

”We’re looking at doing a no strings and no titles attached 12-rounder for April. It is a fight everyone in Britain, and, now, given the rankings and reputations both fighters are gaining, the world will want to see. Ask the fans – titles are not necessary, but the fight is.”

In recent months Warren has claimed that attempts to make the fight were made by him, but that Haye and Booth just as quickly shot them down. Warren has even claimed that, “Maccarinelli beats him (Haye) every day of the week – in fact, I’ve never been so confident that one of my fighters would win a fight.”

Confidence indeed. Yet Warren’s words may appear empty should his recent silence continue.

“We (Haye, Booth and Maloney) all want the fight to be made for April,” continues Booth. “It’s a fight that needs to happen, and it is a contest that is as big as it gets at cruiserweight now.

“We’re confident it can be made, and that David would win, and it seems Warren is just as confident in his man. He’s even stated he’ll pack it in (his job as promoter) should Maccarinelli lose.”

Maccarinelli, similarly, appears to be nothing but bullish when confronted with the idea of a Haye clash. The Swansea fighter issued a challenge to Haye to stop “messing about with weak opponents” and fight him, immediately after Haye’s career-best, and widely-acclaimed win over WBC no. 3 ranked Giacobbe Fragomeni in November.

“I’m not sure whether it is Warren or Maccarinelli who are shying away from the fight,” Booth adds. “It must be one of them, though, otherwise this fight would be put in motion quicker. If you read quotes from both camps it appears the fight is a natural, and is there to be made. So why isn’t it happening? We’ve revealed our hand, and now it’s time for them to reveal theirs. We are waiting, and hoping, that this brilliant match-up can be made.”