By John F. McKenna (McJack): Ring Magazine editor-in-chief Nigel Collins reported that former World Boxing Association (WBA) champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KO’s) has been dropped to 4th place in the current heavyweight rankings.

Haye had been ranked No. 2 before his pitiful performance in his one sided loss to world champion Wladimir Klitschko (56-3, 49 KO’s). There was some conjecture as to how far down in the rankings Haye would fall.

At this point it is unclear whether or not Haye will stick to his promise to retire in October. Undoubtedly he would like to redeem himself after his disastrous performance against Wladimir Klitschko. Unfortunately for Haye though, a rematch with Klitschko is not going to happen anytime soon. Like any other fighter after such a loss, he will have to fight his way back into contention.

David Haye’s demotion advanced Tomasz Adamek and Alexander Povetkin to No. 2 and 3 in the rankings. Ruslan Chagaev is ranked at No. 5 under Haye, mainly because he was KO’d by Wladimir Klitschko, while Haye went the distance.

No. 2 ranked Tomasz Adamek (44-1, 28 KO’s) faces WBC title holder Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 39 KO’s) on September 10. Adamek moved up to the heavyweight division after holding both the light heavyweight and cruiserweight titles. Adamek has won 13 fights since his last loss and is 6-0 at heavyweight.

Collins was quoted as saying “Although Haye must shoulder the majority of the blame for the lackluster encounter, Wladimir’s marquee value in the U.S. was also damaged by his hesitancy to go for the knockout. Overall the bout was another dismal setback for the division, which hasn’t seen a compelling championship fight in many years.”

Wladimir Klitschko’s trainer Emanuel Steward was also obviously frustrated with his charge for not being more aggressive in pursuing a knockout. Steward could be heard exhorting Wladimir several times between rounds to “step it up a bit.”

It has been a fairly common theme at Wladimir’s fights to hear Steward attempting to light a fire under Klitschko to get him moving. Emanuel could be heard voicing his frustration between the 11th and 12th rounds of Klitschko’s fight with Eddie Chambers.

Wladimir finally knocked Chambers out with five seconds remaining in the 12th round.

Emanuel Steward has stated time and time again that Wladimir Klitschko is the most gifted heavyweight that he has ever trained, but that he does not use those gifts to the best of his ability.