It took ten weeks, but 2008 finally has a high profile knockout. That same win provided the cruiserweight division with its first successful linear title defense in its near-30 year history. The man on the delivering end of both accomplishments was London’s David “Hayemaker” Haye, who blitzed through Enzo Maccarinelli in scoring a stunning 2nd round knockout at the O2 Arena in London, England.

It may take another 28 years for a linear champ to make two successful defenses, with Haye's sights firmly fixed on the heavyweight division.

Saturday night's win in London was certainly a heavyweight performance by Haye, a 2-1 favorite to win the fight, but surpassing most expectations with the quick result in the country's biggest fight since the Nigel Benn-Chris Eubank rivalry erupted in the early 1990's.

The opening round suggested a boxing match was threatening to break out, as both fighters spent the first minute feeling one another out. Maccarinelli landed the first significant punch of the fight, a straight right hand countering a 1-2 from Haye, who stumbled backwards but quickly regained his composure. Maccarinelli experienced the first taste of Haye’s power when the reigning linear champ landed a straight right hand toward the latter stages of the round. The Welshman took the shot well, but still felt compelled to clinch.

By rounds end, Haye was dialed in with his jab, right-to-the-body combo. Unfortunately for Maccarinelli, a new wrinkle would be brought into the fold in round two.

Haye landed his first big power punch one minute into the second round, a straight right hand snapping back Maccarinelli’s head. By Enzo’s own admission, it was that very punch which served as the beginning of the end.

“I got taught what I shouldn’t have done, but it was just that one shot that caught me.”

It did more than catch Maccarinelli; it rocked his world. Haye, who suffered a cut earlier in the fight, knew his man was ready to fall, and immediately moved in for the kill. Another right hand sent Maccarinelli into a corner, where he remained trapped as Haye unloaded. Among the volley was a straight right that nearly sent Enzo to the canvas before several more sent him sprawling to the deck.

While referee John Keane was ushering Haye to a neutral corner, Maccarinelli foolishly rose to his feet, staggering around the ring like a drunk leaving a pub. Keane gave him a mandatory eight count, but Maccarinelli failed to pull himself together, leaving the third man no choice but to wave off the action.

The official time was 2:04 of round two.

Haye improves to 21-1 (20KO) with the win, his 11th straight, with ten coming by way of knockout. It was the first defense of his linear crown (and alphabet titles) he won from Jean-Marc Mormeck last November. It was also the first successful defense of the linear title in the history of the cruiserweight division, accomplishing what Evander Holyfield, Jean-Marc Mormeck (twice) and O’Neil Bell all failed to do during their reigns.

In an era where everyone is strapped with one title or another, Haye adds another alphabet title to his collection, lifting Maccarinelli’s strap with the win. The unification may be moot, however; Haye wasted no time revealing future plans, consistent with his pre-fight promise to eventually move up and chase heavyweight dollars.

“I cleaned out the cruiserweight division, time to bring on the big boys,” insisted Haye immediately after the bout. “Wladimir Klitschko, Samuel Peter, whoever is out there. They will feel my massive power as well.”

Maccarinelli appeared to still feel the effects of Haye’s punching power minutes after the conclusion of the brief affair, but managed to remain classy in defeat.

“I caught him early in the first round, but didn’t listen to my corner,” admitted Maccarinelli (28-2, 21KO) who snaps an eight-year, 25-fight win streak with the loss. “I dropped my hand, and he caught me. I tried to recover, but he caught me again. After that, I couldn’t recover and went down. No shame losing to such a great champion.”

His chief second, 2007 Trainer of the Year Enzo Calzaghe, agrees.

“Everyone makes mistakes,” said the elder Calzaghe. “He’s got the heart of a lion and he will be back. He’s still learning, and you have to learn by your mistakes. He got caught by a good punch. End of story.”

But it’s just the beginning for Haye, who undoubtedly silences his critics with the performance.

“I talked the talk, and tonight, I walked the walk. I saw that I could land flush; you saw what happened. I got my body into ridiculous condition. Enzo Maccarinelli was one of the best fighters on my record, but I showed tonight what I’m all about. People claimed that I wasn’t good enough for an event like this, but I proved everyone that I was up to the task.”

As if any more motivation was needed, the sight of his own blood compelled Haye to take care of business quicker than perhaps even he had anticipated.

“I took a few more risks to get him out of their early. I knew I was cut, didn’t know how bad it was, and I didn’t want the fight stopping on a cut.”

While the opportunities are endless for the London knockout artist, the only thing on Haye’s agenda in the immediate future is a little R & R.

“I want to take some time off to allow my body to acclimate to the heavyweight division. Once my body’s rested, I’ll be back as a heavyweight. I want to come back by the end of the year.”

At which point, Haye believes the torch will have been passed.

“Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton have a little bit of time left, but (the torch) is being passed on to me. Everyone now knows that I can knock them out.”

If they don’t already know, it’s a lesson the heavyweights will soon learn.