New WBA heavyweight champion David Haye believes he proved people wrong on Saturday as he defeated Nikolai Valuev.

He backed up his big mouth with a superb majority-decision points victory over the Russian champion in Germany.

Haye produced a punch-perfect performance to become Britain's first heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis' retirement in 2003.

The Englishman executed his gameplan to the letter, keeping out of Valuev's range while picking the champion off when the opportunity presented itself to cruise to a seemingly clear victory - with two of the judges awarding him the win by four rounds but the other somehow seeing it a draw.

Afterwards new champion Haye said: "If a rematch happens I would be more than willing to do it.

"I talk big but I produce the goods. I said I'd make him look silly and make him miss and I did what I said I'd do."

Haye added: "It's a bit surreal, to be honest. When you strive for something your whole life and finally achieve it, what can you do? I'll go and party now with all my friends and family and get everyone together to celebrate.

"This is not just for me, it's for everyone I know, who supported me and believed in me. In that last round you saw what the Hayemaker can produce and there are big things to come.

"Valuev has got the best chin in the world in this division.

"The key was speed, people don't realise how fast I am. I throw powerful punches and it was definitely my speed and athleticism which won it for me. I'm an athlete. If I wasn't a boxer I'd be playing football or rugby or some sort of sport.

"First and foremost it's about being a good athlete all-round, living cleanly and healthily and you can put on performances like that."

Valuev accused Haye of running away from the fight.

"One thing went wrong today from my point of view - it was like a marathon," said the dethroned champion.

"I felt like a track and field athlete because I had to run so much. But the judges had to score it.

"It was a close fight but I think the end of the last round made the difference."

Haye, 29, carried a record of 22 wins (21KOs) and one defeat into the contest against the 7ft 2ins champion, who had also suffered just one defeat in his 52 fights with a total of 34 knockouts.

A fevered build-up to the fight in Britain saw hopes of a Haye victory increase significantly but in reality it was a daunting task against a man who yesterday weighed in seven stone heavier than the Englishman at 22st 8lbs.

Valuev stalked Haye from the centre of the ring from the first bell, with the Englishman looking to land quick shots and get out of harm's way. And as the fight warmed up it was Haye landing the more telling shots, the left hook clearly his best weapon.

Haye, with his hands held typically low, was happy to let Valuev be the aggressor and continued to slip and slide out of trouble with another arcing left hook catching Valuev sweetly in the fourth.

The Englishman continued to edge the rounds and a solid three-punch combination seemed to have an effect on Valuev, who landed a strong right of his own before the fifth round was over.

Valuev had by far his best round in the seventh and it was arguably the first he had won, landing the jab regularly and connecting with a left hook and moments later a good right hand.

However, Haye stole a quiet ninth round and was back to his best in the 10th, boxing off the back foot and landing the left hook.

Heading into the final round, Haye appeared to have a clear lead. He upped the ante in style, however, landing another left-right but it was two huge left hooks which seriously rocked Valuev for the first time in the fight as the champion wobbled.

Haye could not find the early finish but was happy to raise his arm in celebration with the final bell imminent.

And when the scores of 114-114 (even) and 116-112 twice for Haye were read out, the new champion's childhood dreams were realised with a majority points decision.