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Heavyweight champion Haye defeats Ruiz

David Haye celebrates defending his WBA Heavyweight title after impressively stopping American challenger John Ruiz.
David Haye celebrates defending his WBA Heavyweight title after impressively stopping American challenger John Ruiz.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • David Haye defeats John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight championship on Saturday
  • Londoner Haye was making the first defence of the title he won against Nikolay Valuev
  • Ruiz, a two-time former champion, had no answer to Haye's power and speed
RELATED TOPICS
  • Boxing
  • John Ruiz
  • David Haye
  • Nikolai Valuev

(CNN) -- Briton David Haye has made a successful first defence of his WBA world heavyweight title after stopping challenger John Ruiz in Manchester, England on Saturday night.

Londoner Haye, 29, overwhelmed his American opponent from the start until the contest at the MEN Arena was eventually was stopped in the ninth round before a 20,000 sell-out crowd.

Ruiz, 38, a two-time heavyweight world champion, was attempting to join three greats of boxing -- Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis -- as the only fighters to claim the title three times.

But, at times, he looked outclassed by the smaller, quicker Haye, who overwhelmed Ruiz with the speed and accuracy of his punching, before the American's corner rescued their man towards the end of the ninth round.

Haye proved that his points decision victory over giant Russian Nikolai Valuev last November was no fluke -- and he admitted afterwards that he was pleased with his display.

"I am really happy with that. I felt really sharp," Haye told BBC Radio 5 Live. "There were a load of fans here. The crowd has been absolutely electric for me.

"There was a 20,000 capacity here with everyone screaming the 'Hayemaker'. "With performances like that I'll keep the fans behind me. I loved the whole occasion."