By William Mackay: During yesterday’s news conference at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles, unbeaten heavyweight Chris Arreola took a shot at British heavyweight David Haye, saying “I always knew David was a vagina.” Arreola was referring to Haye having pulled out of two heavyweight clashes with the Klitschko brothers in the past two months. Vitali Klitschko, 38, is skeptical about Haye’s injury excuse backing out of the June 20th bout against Wladimir Klitschko.
But as far his fight with Haye, in which David pulled out during the negotiation process because he didn’t like the terms of the contract, Vitali points out that the contract was essentially identical to the one that Haye had agreed to for a fight with IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. Vitali went on to say, “In my personal opinion, he’s not serious. He’s an unpredictable fighter. He’s not good for boxing.”
Ouch, that has to hurt some. After running out on the fight with Vitali Klitschko, Haye immediately signed for a November 7th bout against WBA heavyweight champion Nikolay Valuev, in a fight that will likely take place in Germany.
As of now, Haye may have hurt his chances of getting another crack at the Klitschko brothers in the future. Without a title, Haye virtually has no chance at fighting either of them, but there remains a sliver of a chance if Haye can beat Valuev in an impressive fashion in November. Vitali would likely have a change of mind if Haye can beat Valuev by knockout. If Haye looks really good, he may be able to get the attention of boxing fans around the globe, and this would make Haye a much more appealing opponent for the Klitschko brothers than he is right now.
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Macklin Interest in fight with Andy Lee
Middleweight contender Matthew Macklin (24-2, 17 KO’s) is reportedly interested in fighting Irish middleweight prospect Andy Lee (18-1, 13 KO’s) in the near future. Macklin, 27, has a fight against Amin Asikainen next month on September 25th for the vacant EBU (European) middleweight title.
If Macklin is successful, the likely next scenario would be for him to fight Lee. However, Lee first has to get by his own opponent, Anthony Shuler, who Lee fights later this month on August 21st. Lee should be able to get by Shuler without any problems.
I say should because Lee hasn’t been looking to good since being beaten by Brian Vera in a 7th round stoppage last year in March. Lee has won his last three fights since that time, but took punishment against Willie Gibbs, Alexander Sipos and Olegs Fedotovs.
Lee’s trainer, Emanuel Steward, may need to re-think his predictions about Lee being a future middleweight champion unless Lee starts showing some immediate improvement. Right now, Lee doesn’t look like a top 10 middleweight contender because of his lack of defense, stamina and chin problem. Lee might be better served if he moves down in weight so that he can face weaker punchers at light middleweight.
Macklin, who is also Irish, would appear to be too strong for Lee at this point. However, Macklin sometimes has problems with his stamina, so if Lee could take Macklin deep, anything is possible.
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