Giacobbe Fragomeni Back To Shatter Another David Haye Boxing Dream

Giacobbe Fragomeni, scheduled to meet European Cruiserweight Champion David Haye in a WBC final eliminator, is confident that he can leave a second lasting impression on the hard-hitting Englishman when they re-acquaint themselves at London’s York Hall on November 17. “Haye is all flash and no substance,” said Fragomeni. “Anyone can get a record and be called a glamour boy if managed right.”

Fragomeni, of course, was the villain in Haye’s Olympic tragedy. In 1999, the crafty Italian famously denied Haye, then still a teenager, an appearance at the 2000 Sydney Games by outpointing him in a qualifying tournament. That was one dream shattered. Now, seven years later, he is back to destroy another. “I’ve already ended Haye’s chances once,” boasted the challenger, “and in ten day’s time I will be doing exactly the same thing again.”

In a strange twist of fate, Fragomeni, now 37, is once again in a perfect position to bring his foot down on Haye’s hopes and dreams. When they cross paths for a second time later this month, he will after all be the only man standing between Haye and his first world-title fight.

Unbeaten in 21 professional fights, Fragomeni has aspirations of his own and a repeat victory over the heavily-hyped Brit will undoubtedly send his stock into orbit. “Let’s hope the Brits aren’t getting too excited; I’m not coming there to lay down,” said Fragomeni.” I’m going to imitate the Italian football team, who against all odds won the World Cup in Germany. I saw the British football fans crying after their team was eliminated. Well, unfortunately for them, there will be a lot of people leaving York Hall with tears in their eyes on November 17th.”

Giacobbe Fragomeni is squat, powerful and incredibly determined. Haye, who is yet to fully dispel concerns over his stamina, could be in for a very difficult night indeed if one of his trademark early finishes fails to materialize. He has a chance to exorcise some demons, but Fragomeni is a solid professional who could well put him through hell and back to earn the right to challenge for a world title. “I will be the one fighting O’Neil Bell in 2007, not David Haye,” vowed the Italian. “Once the fight starts, Haye is finished.”

Maloney Promotions presents the WBC Final Eliminator between David Haye and Giacobbe Fragomeni for the European Cruiserweight Championship on November 17, 2006 at York Hall in London, England. Tickets are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Maloney Promotions box office at 0871 226 1508.