David Haye: Saviour or Failure?

By Brinsley Bailey: In the past the Heavyweight division was considered by fans and critics alike to be the top draw in boxing. It sparkled with marvelous talent and its champions were real celebrities (recognizable to more than just your average boxing fan). However, over the last 15 years, this division has become a barren wasteland with a lack of credible contenders. Years ago the Heavyweight landscape was viewed as a lake, brimming with talent and potential, but now this lake has become a stagnant pool of inability and disappointment.

Not only is the talent lacking in present Heavyweight but I consider myself to be with the majority of fight fans who are disgusted with the physical shape many contenders now deem acceptable for top competition. Chris Arreola, who has a poor diet and physique, admitted before the Vitali Klitschko fight to running less than seven miles in his whole career! Fighters vying to be champions are looking more plump than a Christmas turkey and have the audacity to expect fans to pay and watch them compete! Moreover, the current crop of Heavyweight fighters has little stamina or heart, inefficiency overriding talent, and a desire for money over legacy. To say the outlook is bleak is an understatement nonetheless many boxing fans still wait for the day when the Heavyweights rule once again.

After unifying the Cruiserweight division, David Haye (22-1, 21 KO’s) made his intentions known well and truly clear “the people watching…are going to see the future of the heavyweight(s)…I’m going to clean up the heavyweight division.” Although this brash statement was considered a ray of hope in troubled times, it left many questioning whether Haye would become the savior of the Heavyweights or just another false hope. While there are question marks surrounding Hayes’s title aspirations, I believe there are various signs of his potential success in this division; the first indication being his dedication and attitude toward preparation. Haye often makes a note of pointing out his superb diet not only before a fight but all year round. “I’ve been sensible about my diet and I’ve cut out all the crap. I’ve eaten nothing that’s been processed. It’s all been organic…Unless it’s come out of the ground or off a tree, I’ve not eaten it.” Although we all have an expectation of boxers to be in top physical form, it is a rarity in the current Heavyweight division and as such, an advantage for Haye. Furthermore, it shows that he takes this sport seriously and has the desire and discipline to be physically prepared.

Another key attribute Haye possesses is his tremendous raw power and although it remains to be seen whether he can stop the leading Heavyweights, he has highlighted a capability in previous fights. Most advocators of Haye would point out the November 2008 knockout victory over Monte Barrett, whereby he floored his adversary five times; however, I would like to draw attention to his victory over Tomasz Bonin in April 2007. Despite a 24lb weight disadvantage, Haye managed to floor Bonin three times in the first round before a TKO stoppage win. In this instance, Haye was essentially fighting at a cruiserweight level and destroyed a ranked WBC Heavyweight fighter with ease. I believe Haye’s power will serve him very well in the future and though his future fights against top opposition may not be as straight forward, I believe his power will be a vital weapon in his arsenal.

Although I believe David Haye is an incredible athlete and has superb offensive ability, there are aspects of his defensive approach that are concerning. Similar to Carl Froch, Haye tends to keep his left hand low, inviting the solid right hands over the top. If Haye wants to succeed in his goal to unify the division, I believe that his priority should lie in solidifying his defence and not leaving his questionable chin exposed. However, what has impressed me about Haye is that he recognizes these problems and is seeking to positively change his tactics. He recently told SkySports News that although he has a great record, he needs to change in the Heavyweight division as he has always looked easy to hit, “I’m going to have to adapt, I’m going to have to do things I’ve never done before.”

On the whole, it is not clear whether Haye will fulfill his promises to be the next Heavyweight superstar because although he brings talent and confidence, many contenders that have preceded him have made the same promises and come up short. However, I believe the most important aspect that Haye has brought up with him to the Heavyweight division is entertainment. Whether it is through his comical and occasionally cringing press conferences or watching his superb knockouts (91% KO ratio), Haye is getting people talking about Heavyweights again and revitalizing a waning division. Also, after seeing Odlanier Solis (15-0, 11 KO’s) obliterate Monte Barrett, I wondered if there would be a rematch between Solis and Haye from the World Amateur Championships? For the first time in many years, I began to think about future fights in the Heavyweight division. This encourages me to believe, and perhaps hope over experience, that Haye will be the catalyst for the long awaited next ‘Golden Age’ of Heavyweight boxing.

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