By Mark Barden

The veteran Skelton could one day be a ring rival for Haye

Matt Skelton says David Haye should take care of business at cruiserweight before any move up to heavyweight.

Haye's quick win over Pole Tomasz Bonin in his first top-weight fight convinced him he can thrive in the division.

But Commonwealth champion Skelton said: "If you move up a division and call out its better fighters, you have to put things right in your own first.

"David needs to rectify his loss to Carl Thompson, then there's also (WBO champion) Enzo Maccarinelli out there."

606: DEBATE Do you agree with Skelton?

Skelton, who defends his title against Michael Sprott in London on 26 May, said: "I've met David on a number of occasions and he comes across as a lovely fella.

"He's a good fighter and a good athlete, but I don't think he's ready for the heavyweight division at its higher end. I'm talking about the guys who are naturally that weight, they're fit with it and strong.

"We've all seen what's happens to fighters who move up in weight - they look good, they've got the punch power. But put them up against a natural heavyweight and it's a totally different game."

Bedford's Skelton, 40, is hoping his re-match against Sprott - he stopped his rival in the 12th round in April 2004 - will lead to a world title shot.