By Aaron Mellon: When the David Haye vs. Tony Bellew fight was announced, I was of the opinion Haye would annihilate Bellew. Bellew appeared to be outgunned in every department: Power, Speed, Strength, Experience and Athleticism. Even after last night, I still believe all of the above are true. Bellew ended up winning the fight by an 11th round TKO to pull off a big upset at the O2 Arena in London, UK.
Haye seemed to believe all of the above as well. From the opening bell, Haye was swinging wildly and missing by some margin. Possibly an indication of Haye’s confidence, disregard for Bellew as a fighter and to a large degree, ring rust.
Bellew’s tactics were spot on in the opening rounds, using little energy, throwing few power punches and allowing Haye to expend energy whilst holding the center of the ring. However, I disagree with many commentators who believe Bellew hurt Haye early on. There were no visible signs of Haye being hurt.
As the second, third and fourth rounds developed Haye continued to miss Bellew with his looping punches. Surprisingly, Haye made little use of his jab despite a 4-inch reach advantage. Despite all of this, Haye was 4-1 up going into the 6th round.
Haye’s injury changed everything, his balance, timing and co-ordination were non-existent. Haye knew the game was up and went for the kill. Bellew had the same instinct and this led to a great shoot out in the middle of the ring. Inevitably Haye was backed up and in deep trouble. Haye made it to the bell, just.
Amazingly, Haye fought on for a further 4 rounds with Bellew attacking him throughout.
The outcome was despairing and sad with Haye being punched through the ropes in the 11th round. Haye’s trainer Shane Mcguigan did the right thing, throwing in the towel. Haye had by this point made it back into the ring and was ready to fight on. Haye was too far behind on the cards and the chances of him finishing Bellew with one punch were incredibly slim.
There remains two lingering questions:
What would the outcome have been had Haye not been injured? Personally, i think Haye would have won by KO.
Secondly, prior to the injury was Haye’s performance a sign of ring rust, a lack of respect or perhaps and most concerning of all, is Haye a shadow of his former self? Ultimately only Haye will know the answer to this.