DAVID HAYE will be a bigger box-office draw than Lennox Lewis
- and can rule Britannia and the rest of the world. Haye defends his WBA world heavyweight crown for the first time when he takes on John Ruiz at Manchester's MEN Arena on Saturday night.
And the Hitman, who always put bums on seats when he was fighting, will be ringside.
American fighters have traditionally dominated the heavyweight scene but their influence has waned over recent years with Europeans taking over.
Londoner Haye reclaimed the world heavyweight title for Britain when he defeated the 7ft 2in, 23st Beast from the East Nikolai Valuev last November.
Hatton, 31, said: "Lennox was a great fighter but David is right up the Ricky Hatton street. He goes for the knockout and takes chances that excite the crowds.
"If he can carry on like he's going, David can be a mega-star in the heavyweight division. I'd pay for a ticket to watch him.
"Lennox was a hero of mine after what he did unifying the division.
"He was fantastic, a giant of a man but a true gentleman.
"But he was never really my speed - David is. He can fly the flag for British boxing with his great personality, exciting style and his will to finish a fight early by always going for the knockout.
"I know a lot of American fight writers are picking Ruiz but David will prove them all wrong. I hope he wins in style and gets the respect he deserves."
And Hatton insists the Hayemaker, 29, can become only the second man to beat Yank Ruiz inside the distance after David Tua KO'd him in the first round of their WBC world heavyweight bout back in 1996.
The Hitman added: "Ruiz is shorter than Valuev, a bit on the slow side and David won't have trouble stopping him.
"David showed his power when he shook up Valuev with a big punch - imagine what he'll do to someone his size.
Meanwhile, heavyweight flop Audley Harrison has warned Haye he will lose if he underestimates Ruiz.
Ex-Olympic super-heavyweight champ Harrison said: "If he doesn't blast out Ruiz early, it'll be a tough night.
"I saw Haye's training session on TV and his timing is off. He's also carrying extra weight.
"No disrespect, but no one in the US is talking about David Haye."
Source: thesun.co.uk
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