By Sean McDaniel: WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) has narrowed his choices for opponents for his next fight on May 21st to top contenders Ruslan Chagaev, Alexander Povetkin or Denis Boytsov. Chagaev is first choice, obviously, given he’s the #1 mandatory challenger. However, if he’s not given the okay by the British Boxing Board of Control to enter the UK due to a past case of hepatitis B, then Haye will choose between Povetkin and Boytsov.
Povetkin has more experience against quality opposition, so there’s a possibility he may be the one that Haye ultimately faces. In other big news, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko is rumored to be the Klitschko brother that Haye will fight in September shortly before retiring from boxing on his 31st birthday. Haye wanted to fight IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko but hasn’t had much luck in getting him into the ring.
Boytsov, 24, has a record of 28-0, 23 KO’s but hasn’t taken on anyone nearly as good as Haye. However, Boytsov, even without a lot of experience, would be a huge step up in class for Haye compared to his fights against a series of heavyweights in their late 30s. Haye’s best opponent during his three years in the heavyweight division has been seven foot Russian heavyweight Nikolay Valuev. However, Valuev isn’t comparable to Boytsov in terms of power, speed and work rate. Haye could have problems with Boytsov if he’s unable to knock him quickly or dominate him the way that Haye has been doing against the older heavyweights he’s been in with.
Povetkin, Haye’s number #3 contender, has a high work rate and decent power. He could be problems if he’s able to withstand Haye’s early attacks and force him into a war. Haye’s not used to getting hit a lot and in a fight against Povetkin, Haye will have to get used to getting hit because of Povetkin’s pressure.
The fight against Vitali is the most interesting of the bunch, but it’s one that may not take place if Haye can’t get by his next opponent. It’s a fight that hinges on Haye winning his May bout. It’s hard to imagine that Haye will take the fight with Vitali. I can see Haye deciding to fight someone else in September and then retiring on that note rather than risking a beating against Vitali in the last fight of his career.
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