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Boxing giant-killer David Haye has returned to Britain after defeating the 'Beast from the East', and admitted: "I can't wear my belt - it's too big."
The 29-year-old Londoner saw off the colossal Nikolai Valuev - despite an 11-inch height gap and seven stone weight difference - to become Britain's first world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis' retirement from the ring in 2003.
Arriving back from Germany at Stansted Airport to a rapturous reception from more than 100 fans, he said it the reality of becoming world champion "has only just hit me".
Haye, who showed off a badly disfigured hand, said he was unable to wear his belt because it was being resized to fit him.
Speaking of his injury, he said: "It was like hitting bricks but it was a small price for being heavyweight champion of the world.
He said his sudden stardom felt "weird", adding: "I was expecting about 10 or 12 of my close mates here tonight but this is strange. I am looking forward to relaxing with my family now and getting away for a bit."
Haye, whose wife Natasha was ushered through earlier, arrived at the airport with an entourage of more than 20 staff.
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He went on to please British fans by promising his next fight, in 2010, would be in London.
Politicians had earlier queued up to congratulate the sportsman after his victory, with Prime Minister Gordon Brown saying: "Congratulations to David Haye for his superb, courageous and determined performance in Germany last night to win the WBA Heavyweight crown - Britain's first heavyweight champion for six years."
Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "David Haye really did beat Goliath last night to claim his WBA Heavyweight crown and I'd like to congratulate him on a courageous performance. It's great that in the run up to London 2012 we have the first British heavyweight champion for six years, something which can only raise the profile of boxing in the UK."
