Haye Says Broken Hand No Danger to Ruiz Defense

Great Britain's David Haye, center, celebrates after winning his WBA heavyweight title fight against...

Great Britain's David Haye, center, celebrates after winning his WBA heavyweight title fight against Russia's Nikolai Valuev in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009. Haye won the fight after 12 rounds by points. (AP Photo/Christof Stache)

(AP)

New heavyweight champion David Haye is confident a broken hand won't threaten his title defense against John Ruiz.

Haye broke a bone in his right hand early in his decision over Nikolai Valuev on Saturday when he captured the WBA title in Nuremberg, Germany.

The British fighter said Monday he must wait until the fracture heals before he can train for a mandatory challenge against Ruiz. That fight will probably take place about March in London.

Haye described Ruiz as experienced, tough and durable but predicted he would knock him out.

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