Haye backing Britain

Cruiserweight champion enjoying state of British boxing.

By Paul Higham   Last updated: 21st November 2007

david haye wbc wba cruiserweight champion 10/11/2007

Haye: Backing British

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David Haye says he cannot remember a time when British boxing was doing so well, as Ricky Hatton was crowned the Boxer of the Year at British boxing's annual awards.

Haye made an impressive trip to Paris recently to stop Jean-Marc Mormeck and land the WBC and WBA world cruiserweight title belts.

'The Hayemaker' is now one of a trio of British fighters right at the top of their respective weight divisions, with undefeated Hatton and Joe Calzaghe two of the best in the world.

Haye is delighted with the current state of British boxing, and says he cannot think of a better time for the Brits.

"We've got three of the top fighters in their divisions, you've got Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and myself who are all undisputed champions in our respective weight divisions," Haye told Sky Sports News.

"Not in my lifetime can I remember a time when British boxing was doing so well."

Lonsdale epic

With six major world champions, British boxing is flying, but it was a domestic affair which landed the Contest of the Year award for 2007.

Jamie Moore's epic British light-middleweight title victory over good friend Matthew Macklin was a truly blood-and-thunder affair.

Macklin may have been beaten in a thrilling contest, but he accepted the award on the night and insists the two warriors are still close friends.

"After knocking lumps out of each other, most people wouldn't talk to each other again, but if anything our friendship has got even stronger because we shared something that will be talked about for years to come," said Macklin.

"From Jamie's point of view it was a great win for him and he's now got his long overdue European title shot, which I'm sure he will win and I'll be praying that he'll win."

Hatton was unsurprisingly named the Boxer of the Year for 2007, and his stock will be rising even higher if he succeeds in taking Floyd Mayweather's pound-for-pound crown in Las Vegas next month.

British boxing will be flying even higher if 'The Hitman' can take Mayweather's crown on 8 December, live on Sky Box Office.