UK’s David Haye can be the new Ali, says US promoter

The newly crowned world heavyweight champion, David Haye, can be the new Muhammad Ali of world boxing, a top promoter has said. Richard Schaefer, CEO at US firm Golden Boy Promotions, said: “The last champ like him was Ali. Now we have someone to capture the imagination. When you think back, Ali was able to do that - not just of sport fans, but people all over the world. David has those same ingredients.”
 
“Our hopes and prayers have been answered, the heavyweight division has a new charismatic champion,” he added. Haye, however, said that he was genuinely embarrassed by Schaefer's comparison to Ali.
 
“I wouldn't go that far but I feel good enough to last at the top for a few more years. I'll be able to keep my feet on the ground, there's no worries about that,” Haye said.

Haye beat Russian giant Nikolai Valuev to become Britain's sixth world heavyweight champion. His next opponent is American Johnny Ruiz, probably at London's O2 arena next spring.