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Fans welcome home giant-killer Haye
Giant-killer David Haye returned home on Sunday after defeating the "Beast from the East", and said: "I can't wear my belt - it's too big."
The 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 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 - previously held by Valuev - 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."
Haye, whose wife Natasha was ushered through earlier, arrived at the airport with an entourage of more than 20 staff.
He greeted a young girl who was brandishing a banner inscribed with: "World Champion David Haye."
Haye added: "I am looking forward to relaxing with my family now and getting away for a bit."
Politicians had earlier queued up to congratulate the 29-year-old after his victory.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown acclaimed the new champion.
"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," he said.
Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey where Haye is from, added his congratulations.
He said: "We sent David to Germany with our wishes and hopes, but it was against all the odds that David has beaten Goliath."
Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "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."
Haye took his opponent to a full 12 rounds and was deemed to have won on points by two of the three ringside judges in Nuremberg, Germany.
His win meant bookmakers were facing a £2million payout, said Simon Clare, spokesman for Coral.
