UFC’s Jimi Manuwa says he has already discussed the possibility of a super-fight directly with David Haye, with a view to making it happen later this year.
Light heavyweight Manuwa called Haye out after his knockout win at UFC London, and says Haye is just as keen as he is to strike a deal.
The fighters spoke on the phone, and Manuwa is optimistic that they can come to an agreement over a boxing match, potentially at London’s O2.
“We spoke last week, he’s all for it. We’re going to try and make it happen,” said Manuwa, per Metro.co.uk.
“But I did speak to him for the first time last week. He was very nice, he was respectful and everything.
“He seemed like a nice guy, we spoke on a level and it was alright. I came away thinking actually I kind of half like him.
“He’s a smart guy and half alright. Before I didn’t like him.”
Big-money bout
It’s a big step for a man who has never competed in boxing at any level, but Manuwa feels like the time has come to go after a big-money bout with someone like Haye.
Although the boxer is recovering after rupturing his Achilles as he lost to Tony Bellew last month, he hopes to step back into the ring before the end of the year, and the UFC big-hitter could be the perfect comeback fight.
Why Manuwa picked Haye
Manuwa says calling the boxer out was all part of the plan after he picked fellow Londoner Haye out as the ideal opponent.
He said: “If an MMA fighter is going to call out a boxer, it’s got to make sense. He was the perfect candidate.
“(Anthony) Joshua is just too big. He’s on another level, he’s fighting (Wladimir) Klitschko, he’s got so many fights lined up.
“David Haye is a star. He just lost to (Tony) Bellew. Naturally, he’s not that big. We’re both around the same size and he’s a big massive name in boxing.
“And I believe I can beat him. Deep in my heart.
“He’s not ready for a dog fight. He’s ready for looking good and slipping, doing the pretty boxing stuff, but he’s not ready for war.”
Spectacle
Manuwa has one of the most impressive records in UFC, with 15 knockouts from his 17 fights, while Haye has amassed 26 career stoppages – and Manuwa says their fight could be a great spectacle.
“It would be a dog fight, a proper dog fight. He likes to stalk, I like to stalk.
“I don’t think he’s ready for war and I believe he thinks he’s going to knock me out and I’m not that good of a boxer.
“He believes it would be an easy pay day, but I believe the same as well.”