15.09.08 – by James Slater – Almost as soon as the huge body of Tye Fields hit the floor back in June, Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett was calling out David Haye for his next fight. Calling himself a desperate and therefore dangerous man, the 37-year-old who got himself a load of attention by destroying Fields in less than a round told anyone who would listen he was willing and able to come over to England to fight “The Hayemaker.” Well, just moments ago, on The Steve Bunce Boxing Hour on Setanta T.V, Barrett was officially announced by Haye’s manager and trainer Adam Booth as the November opponent for the former cruiserweight king.
This news will no doubt be welcomed by the majority of fight fans – fans who were concerned/appalled that Haye would maybe wind up meeting someone like the untested J.D Chapman, the ancient Ray Mercer or the not quite so ancient Hasim Rahman. As Booth said today, loads of fans kept saying, “Fight Monte Barrett, Haye!” The deal is done and he will be.
Booth, who knows his boxing, stated how “Two Gunz” is a very dangerous man, which he is. “He beats prospects,” Booth said. Will Barrett beat heavyweight prospect Haye? One thing is sure, November’s fight at The O2 Arena in London figures to be very interesting and exciting for as long as it lasts. Put it this way, someone will be going to sleep, and it won’t be the fans. There is no way, at least in the opinion of this writer, that this heavyweight clash will go the distance. And Barrett , as desperate as he’s made clear he is, will be gunning for the win.
Haye may very well wind up getting his chin tested up at heavyweight the month after next, and the fans watching will be fascinated to see if the heavily hyped Londoner’s beard will pass the test. Steve Bunce, on whose show the exclusive news was today revealed, said there are two groups of heavyweights, the top ten guys and then the danger men – Bunce made it clear which group Barrett belongs in. However, Booth also revealed that it was David himself who, after watching video footage of Barrett, asked for the fight. “You Know David,” said Booth. “He seeks out danger!”
The tickets for the November fight went on sale a few days ago; now that the opponent has been announced, and a more than credible one at that, those tickets will begin shifting fast.
The fans got what they wanted, as did Monte Barrett – will David Haye live to regret it?