LONDON (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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