Boxing: David Haye v John Ruiz

David Haye's WBA Heavyweight World Title is on the line as he fights the former two-time champion John Ruiz. The American is nine years older than Haye and ought to have fought another British champion, Lennox Lewis, for this same belt ten years ago. Lewis refused the challenge on account of Ruiz's lack of pedigree at that time Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images Photograph: Carl Recine/guardian.co.uk Haye's entrance to the ring is typically ostentatious. Such is Haye's celebrity he appeared on the pitch at Old Trafford earlier in the day, prior to the football match between Manchester United and Chelsea Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: guardian.co.uk Haye makes his way through a swarm of spectators at the MEN Arena. His sights are set on the ring where the 38-year-old Ruiz awaits him Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: guardian.co.uk The two fighters square up to each other before the fight begins Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: Tom Jenkins/guardian.co.uk Haye is ferocious from the outset ... Photograph: Dave Thompson/PA Photograph: Dave Thompson/guardian.co.uk ... and sends Ruiz to the canvas within just 25 seconds Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/guardian.co.uk Haye wounds Ruiz with another merciless barrage. Ruiz cowers over the ropes and complains that he's been caught with rabbit punches. Haye is subsequently deducted a point Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: guardian.co.uk The former Cruiserweight world champion has lost just once in his professional career so far - to Carl Thompson at Wembley in 2004 - and there's little sign of a repeat here. He continues to dominate Ruiz in the following rounds, using his handspeed to devestating effect Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/guardian.co.uk Ruiz, though, is a dogged fighter and refuses to buckle Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Photograph: Phil Noble/guardian.co.uk Haye catches his opponent with a big right hook Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: guardian.co.uk Ruiz is put down again in the fifth and six rounds, but gets up both times. Haye ought to have finished him off, but somehow Ruiz hangs in Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/guardian.co.uk Both Haye's feet are off the ground as he launches the final assault on Ruiz that leads to the end of the fight Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: Tom Jenkins/guardian.co.uk Finally, after nine rounds of abuse, Ruiz's cornerman throws in the towel and the referee ends the fight Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: guardian.co.uk Haye is thrust into the air with the belt around his waist. He later says: "I felt I was really sharp. With performances like that I'll keep the fans behind me." Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: guardian.co.uk The WBA champion basks in the adoration of the applauding British fans Photograph: Tom Jenkins Photograph: Tom Jenkins/guardian.co.uk