Haye beats Valuev...Your views

David Haye has been crowned the new WBA heavyweight champion after a majority decision over Nikolai Valuev in Germany of all places.

While it wasn't a great spectacle, Haye's tactics paid off as he dodged Valuev's attack and weaved around the ring, unleashing point-scoring punches to bring the belt back to Britain.

Haye even managed to rock the giant Valuev in the final round. Had he caught the Russian earlier in the fight, he may well have become the first man to knock out the 7ft Russian.

But did the judges get it right? There were some pundits who thought Valuev did enough to retain his title. He did control the centre of the ring and had Haye on the back foot, but he never really tested his opponent's chin.

Now plenty of doors open for Haye. John Ruiz, who claimed a victory on the undercard is in line to fight the Brit, but expect Haye to be calling out those Klitschko brothers soon after that.

Did Haye deserve the win? Were you surprised to see the judges go against Valuev? Send in all your comments and post-fight thoughts in the boxes below.

Women's boxing in the Olympics... Your views

The IOC have announced that women boxers will get the chance to fight for gold at London 2012.

Boxing had been the only Olympic event without female competitors but three weight classes will be added with one men's class dropped to make room.

Women boxers have long lived in the shadow of their male counterparts and for the purposes of Olympic equality, it has been argued that their sport should be included in the programme.

However, not all agree with the IOC's decision. WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, who won silver at Athens 2004, said: "Deep down I think women shouldn't fight. That's my opinion."

Khan will no doubt come under stinging criticism for his comments but he has a valid point. Who actually wants to see women box?

The IOC said no to women's boxing at the 2008 Olympics, claiming the event would not offer added value to the programme. So what has changed in a few short years?

It has limited global appeal and is simply not widespread enough to be taken seriously as an Olympic sport.

The last televised women's boxing bout on UK TV was on 18 July at York Hall, Bethnal Green. The winner of the contest was Angel McKenzie, the Russian-born Londoner who had just been evicted from the Big Brother house. That just about sums it up.

Meanwhile, golf and sevens rugby have also been recommended for inclusion in the Olympics from 2016. Anyone for tiddlywinks in 2020?

What do you think of the decision to include women's boxing at the 2012 Olympics? Has the IOC made a blunder or is this decision long overdue? Send in your comments using the boxes below.

Khan v Kotelink... Your predictions

The pressure is on Amir Khan as the Bolton fighter prepares to face WBA light-welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik in Manchester on Saturday.

Khan is aiming to become only Britain's second world champion after WBC super-middleweight king Carl Froch but can he make the step up in weight and class?

Kotelnik should not be overlooked. The seasoned ring veteran is a solid and accurate puncher and can cause Khan's fragile chin problems despite lacking power.

The Ukrainian will prove a tricky hurdle for Khan who is aiming to unlock the door that may lead to a blockbuster British showdown with Ricky Hatton.

Khan though has found his feet again under the guidance of Freddie Roach, impressing in wins over Irishman Oisin Fagan and seven-time champ Marco Antonio Barrera and his speed advantage could be key in his quest to become a world champion.

Prediction: Kotelnik has a tight defence and is yet to be stopped but Khan will come through with a unanimous decision.

How do you think Khan will fare? Can he beat Kotelnik or has the Ukrainian been underestimated? Send in your pre-fight thoughts and predictions using the boxes below...

Time for Hatton to retire...Your views

After crumbling to the second defeat of his professional career, Ricky Hatton has to take a serious look in the mirror.

With wins over the likes of Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, the Mancunian has proven over the years that he is a good fighter.

But there is a difference between good and great. Hatton has now twice had the chance to dethrone the pound-for-pound king but on both occasions has fallen well short.

First versus Floyd Mayweather Jr and now against the lighter Manny Pacquiao at Hatton’s natural weight of 140lb. A win would have probably cleared the path for a rematch against Mayweather who is set to return to the ring in July.

However, after his devastating loss to Pacquiao, Hatton looks to be heading into a cul-de-sac. The "Hitman" can be proud of what he had accomplished during his sparkling career but he isn’t getting any younger. He has made his money and should concentrate on life outside the ring because he is putting his health at risk.

What did you make of Hatton’s brutal defeat to Pacquiao? Where does the “Hitman” go from here? Is it time to retire? Send in all your post-fight thoughts in the boxes below.

Calzaghe retires from boxing

Joe Calzaghe announced his retirement on Thursday after 46 undefeated bouts and goes down in boxing history as one of the world's top ten pound-for-pound fighters.

'The Pride of Wales' retained his WBO super-middleweight title 21 times and was the longest-reigning world champion of recent years.

In the latter stages of his career he added the IBF, WBA and WBC world titles before relinquishing them all to round off his dazzling life in the ring with two memorable victories over Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr at light-heavyweight.

After more than 10 years as world champion, Calzaghe was finally named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2007. Forget the likes of Lennox Lewis and Ricky Hatton, Calzaghe was the best of British.

Send in your views on the retirement of Joe Calzaghe by clicking on the boxes below. Should he have carried on? Is he the best ever? What was his most memorable fight?

Hatton wins in Vegas...Your views

“The Hitman” is back in business after hitting the jackpot in Las Vegas with a crushing victory over Paulie Malignaggi.

All those doubters who said Hatton’s days were numbered in the ring have had their words rammed back down their throats, including “The Magic Man” who failed to pull a rabbit out of the hat on a miserable night for the lacklustre American.

It was Hatton who had the box of tricks, proving that he is the light-welterweight king. Unbeaten at 140-pounds, nobody can touch him at that weight.

The Mancunian though will be forced to move back up if he fancies a crack at Oscar De La Hoya. “The Golden Boy” meets Manny Pacquiao in two weeks time and victory should set up a drooling super fight at Wembley next year.

Some say it would be the biggest in boxing history and it could elevate Hatton onto an even bigger platform.

See the best pictures from the fight by clicking here.

What did you make of Hatton’s performance? Do you think he would be wise to fight De La Hoya in 2009? Send in all your post-fight thoughts and comments in the boxes below.

Haye batters Barrett...Your views

David Haye stamped his mark on the heavyweight division on Saturday night after a devastating display against veteran Monte Barrett.

Haye proved that he can mix it up with the giants after stepping up from cruiserweight and destroying his opponent inside five rounds at the O2 Arena.

We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. Knocking Barrett to the deck five times is impressive but the Klitshcko brothers are on a different level.

Haye has the speed. He has the power and certainly possesses a knock-out punch. However, we don’t know if his chin will hold up against a true heavyweight king like Vitali or Wladimir.

The Bermondsey fighter also leaves himself open but I guess that is what makes him so exciting to watch. He stands to-to-toe and is prepared to exchange blows in a bar-room brawl type contest that will leave you on the edge of your seats.

British boxing desperately needs a fighter to fill the void left by the retirement of Lennox Lewis. Danny Williams, Audley Harrison, Matt Skelton and Michael Sprott have all failed to spark on the world scene but now the time has arrived for the ‘Hayemaker’.

The East Europeans have dominated the heavyweight scene for far too long but perhaps David can triumph Goliath not once, but twice in 2009.

What are your thoughts on David Haye? Can he rule the heavyweight division and stand up against the Klitshcko’s? Or is a he a flash in the pan that will soon be sent crashing to the canvas? Send in your comments using the boxes below.

Calzaghe beats Jones Jr...Your view

After a landslide victory over the legendary Roy Jones Jr, Joe Calzaghe must now surely be recognised as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Calzaghe did hit the deck early doors but he responded like a true champion to tear apart his American opponent and extend his unbeaten professional record to an almighty 46 fights.

But what next for the Welshman? Despite previously hinting that this could be his last bout, Calzaghe has now remained silent on his future. Surely he cannot quit when he is still at his peak?

However, if Calzaghe fancies a farewell finale in Cardiff, who could possibly step up to the plate and provide a legitimate challenge? Kelly Pavlik was found out against Bernard Hopkins while Chad Dawson just wouldn’t attract enough interest. That brings us back to ‘The Executioner’ who lost a split decision to Calzaghe earlier this year.

I have a feeling that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the Newbridge southpaw who has once again silenced those few critics who dared suggest that he wasn’t the real deal.

What did you make of Calzaghe’s performance? Did the super-fight live up to your expectations? Will Calzaghe retire or do you think he can close on Rocky Marciano’s perfect 49-0? Send in your comments and post-fight thoughts in the boxes below.

Calzaghe's last dance...Your views

After weeks of speculation, American legend Roy Jones Jr has confirmed that he and undefeated Welshman Joe Calzaghe will clash at Madison Square Garden, New York on September 20.

The light-heavyweight bout will bring an end to the illustrious career of Calzaghe who is set to retire after his 46th fight inside the ring.

Calzaghe is already odds-on favourite to win the contest which is hardly surprising considering his opponent is way past his best.

Jones was arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the 90s. In fact, he was named "Fighter of the Decade" by the Boxing Writers Association of America during this time.

But the year is now 2008 and after suffering two defeats to Antonio Tarver – the same fighter who failed to dazzle against Sheffield’s Clinton Woods recently - as well as a loss to Glen Johnson, Jones is clearly over-the-hill.

The 39-year-old has recovered to win his last three fights – in his last outing he beat Felix Trinidad – but the Jones of today will lose to Calzaghe.

Now a 90s Jones against Calzaghe would have been a mouth-watering contest. But not now. The result is predictable and although it will be a special night with Calzaghe set to bow out an undefeated champion – and a very rich man – this wasn’t the fight boxing fans really wanted to see.

The fight we really wanted to watch was Calzaghe v Kelly Pavlik – a clash between two of the best pound-for-pound boxers today.

That will never happen which is a crying shame. Calzaghe is a world-class fighter and a boxing legend but a victory over a fighter in his prime like Pavlik would have been the ultimate happy ending to a flawless career.

What are your thoughts ahead of this fight? Are you happy Jones Jr will be the Welshman’s next opponent or would you have preferred to see a Calzaghe v Pavlik clash? Type your comments in the boxes below. 

A step back for Khan...Your views

Amir Khan may have extended his unbeaten record after a 5th round TKO victory last night over Michael Gomez but the Bolton youngster provided more questions rather than answers with regards to his world title aspirations.

I’m not criticising Khan’s ability. He boasts phenomenal hand-speed, an incredible physique and possesses lethal accuracy with his punches. He is only 21-years-old and is by no means the finished article. However, he was almost beaten in Birmingham by an over-the-hill fighter, who despite having heart and experience, should have been no challenge for Khan.

The Olympic silver medallist looked in great shape after dominating the first round but was soon floored by what I would describe as nothing more than a 'slap'. Gomez’s left hook was hardly lethal yet it still had enough power to put Khan on the deck.

Gomez sensed blood and Khan was again in trouble early in the fourth when he was caught by a crunching body shot before recovering to seal the win when the referee was forced to stop the bout.

Fight won for Khan who proved his resilience but if he is struggling against spoon-fed opponents like Gomez and Willie Limond, he is simply not ready to even consider a world title shot.

This victory was not a step forward for Khan. If anything it was a step back. Khan struggled on the inside and needs at least three more fights before he begins to hunt for a world title. If Khan were to face somebody like Manny Pacquiao at this stage of his career, he would get destroyed.

Luckily for Khan, Frank Warren knows he’s not ready and we won’t see Khan in a ring with fighters such as Pacquiao for a while yet. The kid has great potential but there is still plenty of work to be done. I have no doubts that one day he will be a great fighter. However, that day looks to be further away than Khan and others initially anticipated.

What did you make of Khan’s performance? Do you think he is ready for a world title challenge? Pull no punches an let me know all your thoughts in the boxes below.