Boxer David Haye says UFC contacted him, Jimi Manuwa fight in discussion
Heavyweight boxer David Haye revealed in recent question and answer session with fans on Instagram that his next fight may come in the form of a contest against UFC light heavyweight Jimi Manuwa.
“Yeah we have heard from Manuwa’s management and UFC so it is something that we are looking at at the moment. Obviously it is a little way off being confirmed. But it is a fight that would unify a lot of the fans from both UFC and boxing and make a mega event”, he said.
‘The Hayemaker’ Haye (28-3) is coming off a March 4, TKO loss to Tony Bellew. Haye who was born in London, England has held world titles in two weight classes. He is the first British boxer to reach the final of the World Amateur Boxing Championships, where he won a silver medal in 2001.
Manuwa who has heavy hands himself, knocking out Corey Anderson just weeks after Haye’s loss has been itching for a fight against his fellow countryman, even prodding him on social media. Haye sustained an injury to his Achilles which required reattachment surgery.
Hey @mrdavidhaye how long till your Achilles is healthy?
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) March 21, 2017
“I was very impressed with his quick knock out the other night at the O2 Arena,” Haye said of Manuwa.
“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.”
Obviously the biggest talk right now involving boxing vs. MMA is the possibility of Floyd Mayweather Jr. coming out of retirement to take on UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor. Haye will have to take time off to recover from the injury he sustained but a fight between he and Manuwa certainly is intriguing.
