Haye fight confirms boxing's renaissance by David Statham Mar 2nd 2008

After so many years, boxing is finally on its way out. The fans are losing interest. The amount of titles available for each weight division and the lack of any definitive champions has left many people confused as to who is the best fighter. The sport is controlled by politics and many of the best fights are avoided.  It's because of this that many boxing fans are turning their attention to the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). There are less politics, fewer champions and fewer rules. And it's more exciting. These were comments made last year by UFC fans and officials who seemed to rejoice in their sports rising popularity (and boxing's demise). Maybe they were right. Boxing did need regenerating.   And in 2007 the Noble Art climbed off the canvas and started to fight back against its newest rival, with British fighters leading the way. Joe Calzaghe unified the super-middleweight division, Ricky Hatton fought against 'pound-for-pound best fighter in the world' Floyd Mayweather and Graham Earl took part in BBN's Fight of the Year. As well as many amazing domestic match-ups and with the help of the USA v UK ‘Contender challenge' cup, the year 2007 went out with a bang, leaving the cage-fighting sport firmly in its midst. Rightly so. It's hard to keep up such high standards but 2008 hasn't been deterred. Already we have seen Matt Skelton challenge for the heavyweight ‘world' title, Colin Lynes defend his European light-welterweight title against Juho Tolppola and Nigel Wright challenge Ajose Olusegun for the Commonwealth belt. And Next Saturday's (8th March) ‘Battle of Britain' between Enzo Maccarinelli and David Haye, two of the world's greatest cruiserweights, is yet another example of the fantastic shape boxing is in. It made more sense for Haye to move up to the heavyweight division after his victory over Jean Marc-Mormeck last year. It's a well known fact that he has trouble making the cruiserweight limit. But he decided to 'boil' down to the 14st 4lb once more, just to give the fans the fight they want. And they said fighters didn't want to fight the best! However, when the lights go on in London's O2 Arena, the fans are sure to witness an explosive fight between two of the sports heaviest hitters. Many commentators are already saying that this fight could match, or even surpass, Chris Eubank's tear-up with Nigel Benn in November 1990. Who will win? It seems no-one is certain of the outcome and in reality it's a case of who lands first. Haye seems to be the slight favourite with the bookmakers but unless you want to put all your money on a draw, the odds are extremely tight. Whatever the outcome, this fight will be a great spectacle for every fan and a great advertisement for the sport of boxing. The Noble Art is back at its best.

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