DAVID HAYE'S dream turned into a nightmare as he lost a unanimous points decision to Wladimir Klitschko at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg on Saturday night.
Klitschko, dubbed Dr Steelhammer, who was looking for his 50th knockout, entered the ring to fireworks and produced his own pyrotechnics in front of his beloved German fans.
Haye was never able to set up his opponent during a frustrating night for the south Londoner.
The stars came out for a fight that grabbed the public's imagination. Among the star guests ringside were former heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis, George Foreman, Boris Becker and Rory McIlroy.
Round one saw Haye on the deck but only after a slip. Klitschko's left jab was the round’s most effective weapon as both men felt each other out.
Round two: A big right hand exploded onto Haye’s head to truly announce the fight, however he struggled to land his own bombs.
Round three: Haye bloodied his opponent’s nose who came back with a big shot of his own.
Round four: Klitschko’s bloody right nostril was under pressure but Haye failed to take charge of the ring or the fight.
Round five: Haye was in trouble after some big shots. The Briton invited his foe in – and he steamed in at the request.
Round six: Haye looked increasingly disorganized while Klitschko looked like the veteran champion he is.
Round seven: Klitschko was deducted a point after, yet again, pulling on his foe with the result that Haye was on the canvas again. With the deduction, it was Haye’s first clear success in a round.
Round eight: Not too much action as both men took a well-earned breather.
Round nine: Haye became frustrated as he continued to eat Klitschko’s left jab while trying to avoid the Ukrainian’s big right hand.
Round ten: Haye answered several questions about his chin; taking the very best that Klitschko had to offer.
Round eleven: Haye, crazily had to take a count from the referee, after another slip to the canvas. It was not a knockdown but the official had obviously had had enough of the Briton’s antics.
Round twelve: Haye spent the entire round looking for the big punch. However, it was not enough and Klitschko deservedly took the glory.
Where Haye goes from here is anyone’s guess as he has always stated that he would retire in October 2011.
Some observers will say that Haye has paid the price for his pre-fight trash talk and his attempt at mind games.
Haye kept Klitschko waiting for the best part of 20 minutes before the Briton made his way to the ring.
When Haye did eventually make his way to the ring he did so to the strains of McFadden & Whitehead’s Ain’t No Stopping Us Now in the background. He has been and now has more questions than answers to ponder.