 Haye has won 18 of his 19 professional fights |
Britain's David Haye retained his European cruiserweight crown and set up a potential WBC title fight with a superb stoppage of Giacobbe Fragomeni. Fragomeni, 37, looked to be heading for victory at London's York Hall after cutting Haye in the sixth round.
But a bloodied Haye dramatically broke through the Italian's defences in the ninth round, finally flooring his man in a flurry of punches.
The Briton is now in line to take on WBC king O'Neil Bell in 2007.
606 DEBATE: Give your thoughts on Haye's victory
Haye had waited seven years for the opportunity to turn the tables on Fragomeni, who controversially out-pointed him as an amateur in the final qualifying tournament for the Sydney Games.
"It was the type of fight I needed," said Haye before having his eye stitched. "It's fights like this you need from time to time.
"I will be straight back in the gym. There are a couple of flaws I need to sort out, but I will be back in the new year and look forward to my world title fight.
"I knew he was going to be a really tough opponent - and he was."
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