There's something about Charr

Manuel Charr is a true warrior. Last week, as Englishman David Haye pulled out his heavyweight clash with Charr, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.   It was unfortunate. Haye picked up a hand injury in training - leaving him with no option but to postpone their bout on June 29. The heavyweight boxing division has been in decline for several years now. The Klitschko's are rightfully kings, but could do with a few more tougher tests. Haye, supposedly the last hope for boxing fans tamely fell way short when he challenged the younger Klitschko, Wladmir, in 2011. Speaking earlier this week, Charr said Vitali must be man enough to give the winner of his fight against Haye a shot at the title. That probably won't happen considering Vitali is drifting away from boxing to serve as a politician in his native Ukraine. The opportunity to prise Wladmir into a fight still exists, and in my view, Charr, who failed in his attempt to dethrone Vitali last year, could well spring a surprise if he can get past Haye. Boxing needs characters like Charr. Even before he fought Vitali, the Germany-based boxer of Lebanese Syrian origin, turned up at David Haye's post-fight press conference to announce himself as the next champion of the world. Charr shook hands with Haye, promising to fight him once he beats Vitali. Later that year, on a cold night in Moscow, Vitali dismantled Charr with a one-sided display to bring an end to his unbeaten record, and keep hold of the WBC heavyweight title. The champion took centre of the ring early on, opening up a nasty cut over Charr's right eye. The fight was stopped in the fourth, even though Charr was furious with the referee's decision. Less than 12 months later, Charr is hungrier and believes he can beat Vitali in a rematch. "I want my rematch and to get it I have to knockout David Haye. So that is exactly what I will do," he said. Charr's perseverance landed him a fight with Haye, and make no mistake, that fight will happen later this year. Haye probably starts as favourite, but Charr's relentless attitude means it won't be an easy night for the Hayemaker. Beyond that, the future is bright for Charr. He's 28, still only with that one defeat on his record, and has won his last two fights. In a division once dominated by Lennox Lewis and then the Klitschko brothers, maybe Charr can be the star of the future? I wouldn't bet against it.