Weights: Haye 212 lbs, Wladimir 242 lbs – Speed is King for David

By Boxing News - 07/01/2011 - Comments

Image: Weights: Haye 212 lbs, Wladimir 242 lbs - Speed is King for DavidBy Wayne Lord: Photo: Stefan Hoyer – This afternoon we witnessed the weigh in for Saturday night’s world heavyweight title fight between David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko. The Londoner weighed in at 212 lb 12 oz (15st 2lb 12oz) whilst the adopted German came in more than two stone heavier at 242lb 8oz (17st 4lb 8oz).

The bookmakers have made Klitschko the outright favourite in this eagerly anticipated match up and the weight and reach advantage that he holds over Haye is undoubtedly a key factor in this decision; however, I believe that the bookmakers and the experts that hold the same view are perhaps being slightly naïve in their approach.

We are in an era of boxing were size and weight have played a lesser role in the outcome of World Championships matches than ever before. For example, we only have to consider the pre-fight arguments that crop up every time Manny Pacquaio steps into the ring. I have lost count at the number of fights he should not have won based on him being ‘the smaller man’. Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Magarito and Sugar Shane Mosley are prime examples of fighters considered to be much bigger than the Pound for Pound King yet in each instance there was only ever going to be one winner. Indeed, in the heavyweight division I never saw one fight were Mike Tyson was the bigger man and we all know his story while most recently we have seen David Haye fight and conquer the tallest Heavyweight Champion in history by beating the Russian Nicolai Valuev. In each instance we can see that it isn’t height or reach that makes the difference but speed and power – and I believe that in Hamburg there is only one person in the ring that possesses both of these qualities in abundance – David Haye.

In his last 26 fights David Haye has won 25 whilst 23 of those have come within the distance. In his heavyweight career so far he had Valuev close to knock out in the final round, stopped Ruiz for the first time in his career and showed Audley Harrison what an inferior opponent he was. Klitschko has beaten 49 opponents in 55 matches; however, what percentage of those fights were against worthwhile opponents is another story all together even though some would argue that you can only beat what is put in front of you. Out of those 55 bouts Klitschko has been floored on three occasions – Ross Puritty beat him in 1998, Corrie Sanders in 2003 and then Lamon Brewster in 2004 – hardly household names although it would be fair to say that neither is Carl Thompson (the only person to beat Haye in 2004). This in mind; however, I still believe that David Haye holds the much more impressive record of the two fighters and I also believe that he has the greater heart and desire to win this match up.

With this fight taking place in Germany I think David Haye knows that he cannot afford to be cautious in his approach. Klitschko is far too popular and I cannot see the judges giving Haye a split decision at the Imtech Arena. Indeed, if Haye drops the cautious approach and tries to knock Klitschko out then I cannot see this fight going more than 6 rounds as by dropping the cautious approach this will only suit his style better. Klitschko is renowned for upsetting the flow of his opponents by fighting behind his jab and more often than not his opponents give into this style and leave themselves open to devastating counters. I cannot see David Haye letting Klitschko dictate the pace at any point during the fight – I can only see the opposite and this will take Wladimir out of his comfort zone completely. If Haye is able to execute this game plan then there will only be one winner and this will set us up nicely for ‘The Brother’s Revenge’ bout against Vitali later in the year.

For me speed and power will be king tomorrow night and the history of boxing has always proven this to be the case. I believe that David Haye will unify the Heavyweight division by beating Wladimir Klitschko in rounds 4-6…..



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