By Daniel Risk: As a self confessed Haye fan, I was delighted by announcement of the return of David ‘the Hayemaker’ Haye this week. Not just because he is an exceptional boxer with a big personality outside of the ring and speed and power in it but he once again livens up the once great division that in the last few years has become boring and predictable.
The former WBA Heavyweight champion Haye (26-2, 24 KO’s) announced this week his return to boxing on June 29th at the Manchester Evening News Arena, Manchester.
Having left behind the Cruiserweight division as Undisputed Champion following his 2nd round destruction of Enzo Maccarinelli in 2008, Haye claimed the WBA title in only his third fight at weight. After failing to secure a fight with either of the Klitschko brothers, he traveled to Germany to defeat the giant Nikolay Valuev by a narrow majority decision.
Following two regulation defenses against the over matched John Ruiz and Audley Harrison, Haye was soundly beaten in a unification fight with Wladimir Klitschko before handing up his gloves.
An ugly brawl with fellow Brit Derek Chisora at a post fight press conference led to a grudge match last summer. Haye showed his class and dispatched Chisora inside five rounds, still showing the power and skill that propelled him to the top of the 14st 4lbs division.
It remained to be seen whether we had seen the last of David Haye. Following an appearance on ‘I’m a Celebrity…’, Haye made many attempts to lure WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko from his parliamentary desk for a mega fight, to no avail.
This left Haye with two options; retire for good and live the glamorous life of an ex boxer with millions in the bank or try to redeem the credibility that was lost in Hamburg in July 2012. Fortunately for Haye and his fans, he chose the latter.
Haye’s plan for boxing redemption and ultimate glory is simple; two fights in June and October before a blockbuster fight for the world title in 2014.
What is yet to be divulged from the Haye camp is the choice of opponent for his comeback fight in the summer.
The obvious choice for Haye would be a shot at WBA Regular Champion Alexander Povetkin (25-0, 17 KO’s) as he is ranked #1 by the organisation. A very winnable fight for the Hayemaker against the inactive and protected Povetkin, who went life or death with Marco Huck before a routine victory over the faded Hashim Rahman. Like any potential opponents, Haye would have speed advantage and to much skill for the ponderous Russian.
Another route would be through the IBF belt and a bout against the undefeated European champion Kubrat Pulev, which would make him mandatory for a shot at Klitschko Jnr. Haye would be a dangerous prospect for Pulev and, despite his 17-0 record, it remains to be seen whether he would put his record on the line against such an experiences campaigner.
One for the British public to get excited about would be a bout against the undefeated 6ft 9in prospect Tyson Fury (20-0, 14 KO’s) who if he fights as well as he talks in his up coming match up with Steve Cunningham in April, could provide a great domestic bust up for the summer. Whilst Fury would have the size and reach advantage, Haye would be able to exploit the weaknesses in his defence and pick up an easy knockout victory.
The American’s (for once) may also bring something to the table. Providing Johnathan Banks and Deontay Wilder get through their next fights, Haye could look seriously at these options. Banks, highly ranked by the WBO and WBC, upset Seth Mitchell last year would give Haye a more worthwhile encounter to propel him up the rankings.
Other names to consider would be:
Robert Helenius
Odlanier Solis
Vyacheslav Glazkov
Denis Boystov
Manuel Charr
Whoever Haye chooses to fight for his next two bouts, it’s a breath of fresh air to have him back in the ring. The Klitschko’s once again dominate the monopoly of belts on offer as no viable contenders have emerged in the last 24 months whilst the top ranked contenders seem content with fighting journeyman or faded fighters who offer nothing, except an increase to their pension plans.
I hope for the sake of the sport that Haye claims a world title in the next 12 months. The avenues are there. He has the skill and ability to topple any heavyweight (including both Klitschko brothers). People may argue with me due to Haye’s abject display against Wladimir but he would be the first to admit he didn’t fulfill his potential that evening.
Wladimir fought clever, using his jab to control the fight and had enough nouse for Haye on the night (as well as much more experience) but it was plain to see that when Haye turned up the gas and outworked him in rounds 3 and 12 of the fight, Klitschko (like he can do) panicked due to his vulnerabilities. Unfortunately for Haye, he didn’t stick to the game plan for long enough, thus losing a lopsided decision.
As a Hayemaker fan I’m glad to say he is back…and ready to dominate
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