UK boxer Haye hopes Man U, Chelsea stars jointly support his WBA heavyweight championship bid

London, Jan.28 (ANI): British boxer David Haye hopes Manchester nited and Chelsea players will support him for WBA heavyweight itle fight with John RuizAccording to The Mirror, Haye's makes the first defence of his crown at Manchester's MEN Arena on April 3 - just hours after United and Chelsea clash at Old Trafford.

And the champ has been on the phone to his old mate Rio Ferdinand, inviting him and the Chelsea stars to be at ringside.

Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown and Joe Cole are all big boxing fans, and 29-year-old Haye would love to have their support against American Ruiz.

"I spoke to Rio yesterday and I've known him since we were both kids growing up in south London," said the Hayemaker.

"He said he's coming and that he's bringing a lot of the lads with him. That's great and I'm hoping to get both sets of lads there," he added. (ANI)