Ring legend Oscar de la Hoya believes this is the beginning of a new era for the heavyweight division.

He said this following David Haye's ascendancy to the WBA world title.

Britain's Haye defeated seven-foot Russian Nikolai Valuev by majority decision in Germany at the weekend to join Evander Holyfield as the only former cruiserweight world champion to claim a heavyweight title.

The achievement was music to the ears of ten-time former world champion De la Hoya, whose Golden Boy Promotions company represents the Londoner in the United States.

"We're very proud of David and what he accomplished Saturday night," De la Hoya said.

"The odds were stacked against him, but he kept his focus, stuck to his game plan and put that title belt around his waist.

"This is a new era for the heavyweight division and I can't wait to see what mountains David will climb next."

While Haye plans a Wembley homecoming in 2010, Golden Boy are keen to get the marketable 29-year-old across the Atlantic to give American audiences a charismatic alternative to the IBF/WBO champion Wladimir Klistchko and his older brother Vitali, the WBC beltholder.

"David looked tremendous during his 12-round battle with Valuev," Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer said.

"I'm really impressed with his skills inside of the ring and his charisma outside of the ring.

"We are going to do everything we can to get David the big fights so he can unify the heavyweight division and put it back on the boxing map."