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(NEW) Haye guns for revenge on November 17
Go-getting European cruiserweight champion David Haye must conquer an old adversary from the amateur ranks on November 17 if he is to fulfil his dream of meeting WBC world cruiserweight champion O'Neil 'Give 'em Hell' Bell in early-2007.

The 26-year-old, self-styled 'Hayemaker' will meet unbeaten Italian contender Giacobbe Fragomeni on November 17 in an official final-eliminator for the WBC title strap that Bell currently owns. The scheduled 12-rounder, to be screened live on Sky Sports 1, also sees Haye's coveted European championship put on the line.

The contest is, therefore, undoubtedly the biggest and most pivotal contest of Haye's 18-bout pro career. Ranked at no. 2 with the WBC, as well no. 3 with the IBF and no. 5 with the WBA, Haye is in the sights of every reigning world cruiserweight champion and is eager to capitalise on his position. The importance of scoring victory over old amateur opponent Fragomeni in November cannot be understated.

"This is it now of me," Haye, 17-1 (16 KO's) begins. "I can almost touch that WBC belt, and I must beat Fragomeni to get there. I can't afford to let all my hard work - all the big wins I've scored to get to number two (with the WBC) - go to waste by losing to Fragomeni."

Losing to Fragomeni in a vital contest is, of course, something Haye has experienced before. In 1999, when David was 19 years of age, the London star travelled to Germany to box the more experienced Fragomeni in a 2000 Olympic qualifier. Despite giving a great account of himself, and appearing to land the more blows, Haye lost to Fragomeni by a score of 11-1. A major setback at the time, Haye is adamant revenge will be his in the pro ranks.

"That loss hurt a lot at the time," He said. "I was extremely close to getting to the Olympics, something every amateur fighter dreams of, and then I got ripped off in a decision against Fragomeni. It left a real bitter taste in my mouth, and I've never forgot how I felt that night. I'll definitely be looking to put the record straight and show that in the pro game, where computer scoring doesn't exist, there'll only be one winner between myself and Fragomeni."

The Italian challenger will, one imagines, be similarly confident. Rated at no. 3 by the WBC, no. 4 by the WBO and no. 12 by the WBA, Fragomeni is a former amateur star who has remained undefeated in the professional game since turning over in May 2001.

Boasting a 21-0 (9 KO's) record, the Milan-born slugger has outscored the likes of Frederic Serrat (the Frenchman who gave ex-Haye foe Carl Thompson an almighty scare last November), Ismael Abdoul (the only man to take Haye 12 rounds) and unbeaten Brazilian Daniel Bispo.

Fragomeni's success hasn't surprised Haye in the slightest.

"He's a genuine quality cruiserweight with great kills," Haye admitted. "He's technically very good, and he knows his way round the ring. He's got a lot more experience than those 21 pro fights on his record show. This guy has had hundreds of amateur bouts, was European heavyweight champion, and won a bronze medal at the World Championships, losing only to the legendary Cuban Felix Savon. The guy can fight, and I can't underestimate him one bit."

Though not overlooking Fragomeni's skills, Haye will be relishing the Italian's come-forward, aggressive style. The 37-year-old Fragomeni is a stark contrast to the negative, guarded style Haye's last opponent, Ismael Abdoul, offered the Bermondsey-born fighter in July.

"I can't wait to actually fight someone who will come to win and try and knock me out," Haye said, excitedly. "Fragomeni has to get close to be effective, and he will probably love getting in range and firing off combinations. He throws lots of shots, and that will give me plenty of chances to nail him with some counters.

"It should be a really action-packed, explosive fight. Expect fireworks on November 17, that's for sure!"


published on 15/10/2006

Fragomeni is rumoured to have knocked out several sparring partners up in Stoke.
Haye needs to take him out early as Fragomeni seems like a banger.

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