LONDON (AP) - Newly crowned world heavyweight champion David Haye is confident a broken hand won’t endanger his first defense against John Ruiz.

Haye broke a bone in his right hand in the early stages of his points victory over Nikolai Valuev on Saturday when he captured the WBA title in Nuremberg, Germany.

The British fighter said Monday he will need to wait until the fracture heals before he can train for a fight against mandatory challenge Ruiz. That fight will probably take place in London around March next year.

Haye said Ruiz badly cut his forehead fighting on the undercard on Saturday and the American would be in no rush to get the fight on early.

Haye described Ruiz as experienced, tough and durable but predicted he would knock him out. Funeral of Mecci Macan Markar today

The funeral of Mecci Macan Markar, the Patron of Saracens Sports Club will be held today. Mr. Markar, a stalwart of Saracens Sports Club held various positions at the club and was the Patron when he passed away. He was also the Managing Director of Macan Markar Limited.