David Haye defended his WBA heavyweight title in impressive fashion with a ninth-round stoppage against American John Ruiz at Manchester's MEN Arena on Saturday night.
The British champion got off to a flying start to the fight, flooring Ruiz after just 25 seconds but the 38-year-old just managed to make it to the bell and avoid an embarrassing early knock-out.
The resolute veteran was knocked down again in the fifth and sixth rounds before his corner threw in the towel in the ninth.
The bout was a one-sided affair from the opening bell, with Haye winning all but one of the rounds.
The 29-year-old will now hope to secure a unification bout with either Wladimir Klitschko, who currently holds the IBF and WBO belts, or his older brother and WBC champion Vitali.
Speaking after the fight Haye said he felt "really sharp" during the fight and praised the support he received on the night.
"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'," he told the BBC.
"With performances like that I'll keep the fans behind me. I loved the whole occasion."
The victory takes Haye's record to 24 wins – 22 by knock-out – and one defeat. He will now be hoping to improve that yet further and secure his dream fight against one of the Klitschko brothers in November.
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