It was finally time for David Haye’s eagerly anticipated return to the heavyweight division. After dominating at cruiserweight to become the undisputed champion, his plan to explode onto the heavyweight scene was finally in action.

This first fight was a WBC qualifier against the dangerous Monte Barrett, who has had many heavyweight title fights and was largely regarded as the ‘gate keeper’ of the heavyweight division. Barrett seemed to be back in good form following 3 recent KO wins (within 2 rounds) including the 1st round demolition of Tye Fields.

Before the fight, Barrett seemed to trying to playing mind games by first complaining about everything from the Hotel room, the way he had been treated since arriving in the UK, even the quality of the hot chocolate! However at the weigh-in, he looked focused and in tremendous shape. David wasn’t as ripped as he previous fight at cruiserweight but looked healthy and strong, choosing to put the weight on slowly and sensibly.

On the night of the fight, an enthusiastic Barrett sprinted to the ring, and made an explosive entrance by jumping over the ropes and tripping; somewhat embarrassingly landing on all fours! Haye took his time, with ‘aint no stopping us now’ playing around the O2 arena while the crowd eagerly awaited. He emerged with a trademark smile on his face as slowly made his way to the ring, soaking up the atmosphere in much the same way as he did when he fought Enzo earlier in the year.

In the opening round early punches landed from David Haye, and he looked slick as he moved around the ring and snapped out his punches. The atmosphere electric was absolutely electric. Haye was looking to land the big right, and his left hand was still held characteristically low. Haye seems to refuses to change this about his fighting style despite being caught with overhand rights by Mormeck and Jean Marc Mormeck, which have sent him to the canvas. Maybe this is just part of how he fights comfortably, or perhaps he is trying to intice his opponents in for a big counter. Barrett takes Haye’s shots well, and looks strong, seemingly waiting for his opportunity. At the end of the round Adam Booth (David’s friend and trainer) says Barrett looks terrified and his legs are trembling.

As the bell rings for the next round, Haye looks tremendously fit, stronger and maybe even faster at heavyweight. Barrett tries to rough Haye up by getting in close, throwing wild hooks and even pushing Haye over onto the canvas. Haye takes some shots from Barrett by not moving laterally and gets caught on the retreat, however he lands some strong shots of his own in retaliation.

In round 3, when Barrett pushes forwards he seems to be able to man-handle Haye and shoves him back into the ropes. Barrett tries to steam in with wild shots, but Haye catches him with right hands to the face. Both fighters trade good shots, but Haye definitely seems open to Barrett’s shots on the retreat. A fast, long left hook clips the face of Monte Barrett which buckles his legs and sends him down to the canvas – but he manages to get back to his feet. Barrett’s legs seem unstable and he goes down again from a short right hook as he tries to push forward on the offensive. Barret seems ready for the taking at this point, but is saved by the bell as the round ends.

Barrett starts throwing wild punches and goes down again when clipped by another shot from Haye. His legs keep buckling from every shot that lands, and not many have landed flush at this point. Haye gets caught a few times but seems to take them all well, although he seems to acknowledge his own mistakes when he’s caught be Barrett. Barrett goes down yet again as he gets caught from another big shot. He stays upright at first looking stunned, but then falls to the canvas to avoid another incoming big shot! Barrett looks resigned as he lays down on his side, but gets up at the count of 8 and is again saved by the bell.

Haye lands some big shots which stop Barrett in his tracks, but slips and receives an illegal but powerful left hook to the face while sat down on the canvas. Richie Davies (the referee) deducts a point, and David wisely takes a knee for a few seconds. David Haye now looks very serious. His poker face is back on, and the slick movement is reduced as he starts setting his feet for the big punches. Seconds later Haye lands his trademark Hayemaker right hand shot followed quickly by a left hook which flattens Monte Barrett on his back. The crowd roar as Richie Davies takes one look at Barrett then waves the fight off as he helps him to his feet.

That was one of the most entertaining fights at heavyweight for many years. There were lots of knockdowns, both fighters looked vulnerable at times, and Haye had truly brought some awesome power with him that is destined to send shockwaves through the heavyweight division. Barrett is a tough, fast fighter that went down from Haye’s shots when he was clipped by the shots. No one will be able to take the power if those shots land flush.

Vitali Klitschko was ringside during the fight and was impressed by the performance. Both of the Klitschko’s are being targeted by Haye following his victory, and hopefully a fight with one of them will be setup for early next year.