Haye takes undisputed crown

Haye banged home two big rights to leave the Welshman reeling around the ring on wobbly legs and add Maccarinelli's WBO cruiserweight crown to the WBC and WBA titles he already owned.

In doing so he underlined his status as arguably the most explosive fighter in the world today and is expected to move up to the heavyweight division in search of more lucrative assignments.

Haye milked the cheers of the London fans on his way into the arena, while Maccarinelli's entry, led by stablemate Joe Calzaghe waving the Welsh flag, was much more low-key.

Haye landed the best punch of a cagey first round with an arcing left hand and maintained his advantage early in the second, when he juddered the Welshman again with a trademark big right.

Maccarinelli responded with his first telling shot with his left hand, but Haye bundled his opponent into the corner and smashed home a right which left the Welshman sagging in the ropes.

Trying desperately to stay on his feet, Maccarinelli was clipped by another right hand and reeled unsteadily around the ring before coming to a halt in his corner, where referee John Keane waved the contest off.

"I talk the talk and walk the walk. I know how hard I punch, I've been in training camp for a solid nine months to make cruiserweight, I got my body in ridiculous condition. I could have gone on all night like that. Enzo came with a good record and I showed exactly what the Hayemaker is all about," said Haye.

Haye revealed a slight cut above his left eye prompted him to go for the early stoppage.

"I took a few more risks to get him out of there early. I didn't know how bad the cut was but I thought 'I've got to get him out of there quickly'."