By Paul Joyner: British heavyweight David Haye has a date with destiny on November 7th. Having failed to negotiate a deal with the Klitschko brothers, Haye gets his chance against Russian giant Nicolay Valuev, holder of the World Boxing Association heavyweight crown. For fans of British boxing this is a big, big night. Haye has been promising demolition of the heavyweight scene and now has his chance to prove himself in what, is a definite step up for him. Valuev is nine inches taller, 7 stones heavier and has lost only once in 50 previous bouts.

Does Haye stand a chance? Yes, he does. Many American pundits are backing Valuev whereas us Brits are tending to back Haye. Haye has mobility on his side and must use his speed to make up for what he lacks in weight and height advantage. Valuev may be able to dominate as if he ties Haye up it will sap his strength. Haye must be in tip top form and not be drawn into Valuev’s tactics. He must be able to adapt and not expend all his energy within the early rounds as the longer the fight lasts the more it could swing in Valuev’s favour. Haye has to take the fight to him which he surely will.

Valuev will also have to be on form as he knows that Haye will be going for a knock out and has speed. Valuev looked puffed out in his recent encounter with Evander Holyfield and if this version of him turns up then on the night Haye could be victorious. If, on the other hand the “old” Valuev turns up then it could be disappointing for Haye fans.

The title is there for the taking. Valuev is deemed as the weaker of the world champions and if he is over the hill then Haye has an excellent chance of becoming world champion. Haye has fought only twice at heavyweight and is by no means tested at this level. He is known to have a suspect chin and there are questions over his stamina. He has only fought six rounds in this division.

Not only that but the interruptions which have dogged his heavyweight career so far continue. Valuev is facing up to three years in prison for punching a security guard that was rude to his wife! The plot thickens. Many are talking of future fights for Haye, I believe (and I’m sure Haye will) that this is by no means as easy a task as he is leading us to believe.

Has Haye been too hasty? We will find out