Haye Day By Thomas Gerbasi (March 9, 2008) Photo © Tom Casino/SHOWTIME Send this page to friend Give us your feedback In 1988, Evander Holyfield unified three cruiserweight titles and moved up to the heavyweight division to make history. 20 years later, David Haye earned his third cruiserweight crown with a second round stoppage of Enzo Maccarinelli Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, and now he’s going to follow the Holyfield plan and bang with the big boys. “The Hayemaker doesn’t lie,” said Haye, who added the WBO title to his WBA and WBC crowns. “When I say I’m gonna do something I go out there and do it. It’s nice to know that this division’s cleaned up now. It’s time to step up to the heavyweights and put a bit more life into that division.” “I just didn’t box the plan,” said Maccarinelli. “(Trainer) Enzo Calzaghe’s gonna crucify me in that changing room. I was pulling my head back high, and don’t get me wrong, it was a cracking shot, but I didn’t box the plan, I got caught by the better fighter, end of story.” It only took 20 seconds for the two power hitters to engage, with Maccarinelli scoring first with a short left hook that knocked Haye off balance. The pace for the rest of the round was measured, with the occasional bursts of action favoring the faster Haye. The tension was again thick in the second round as the two circled just inches away from each other. But just a minute in, Haye landed with a flush right hand. Maccarinelli took that one and another one a few moments later well, but with 1:15 left, Haye landed another right hand rocket, sending a hurt Maccarinelli against the corner post. A furious flurry by Haye followed, with a final right hand putting the Welshman down. Maccarinelli rose immediately, but his legs were wobbly and he staggered back into the corner. He put his hands up to continue, but referee John Keane had seen enough, halting the bout at the 2:04 mark. “I’d like to have been given a chance, but he’s a good finisher, a great fighter,” said Maccarinelli, who admitted that on watching the replay that he was in no condition to continue. With the win, Haye improves to 21-1 with 20 KOs; Maccarinelli falls to 28-2 with 21 KOs. Now available, Thomas Gerbasi’s latest boxing compilation: Fightin’ to Writin’ – More Ring Ramblings. For more information, click here http://www.amazon.com/Fightin-Writin-More-Ring-Ramblings/dp/0595486665/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF 8&s=books&qid=1202272469&sr=8-12 Discuss this Topic - Go to the forums E-Mail Thomas Gerbasi at tgerbasi@mindspring.com or visit www.myspace.com/gerbasi