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HAYE VS KLITSCHKO
Ali. Marciano. Dempsey. Frasier. Foreman. Tyson. All these names will resonate to even the fleeting sports fan in one way or another. Could either David Haye or Wladimir Klitschko get close to even being mentioned in same breath as these legendary pugilists? Unlikely. Actually, no, they won’t. But, their fight – and if you’ve heard it 1000 times on Sky Sports News already to ensure you hand over your €22 / £14.95, I’m sorry – this is the biggest heavyweight contest years. Only Cheryl Cole’s hair colour change has got more attention this week. It’s the Superfight everyone wanted to see – Pacquiao/Mayweather aside – and it’s been three years in the making.
On Saturday at 10pm, the pantomime ends. Haye must let his fists do the talking. Swap cockiness for skill. Charisma for speed. Swagger for exceptional footwork. Will it live up to its billing? Are we going to see two men go toe-to-toe for 12 rounds with exciting, blow for blow action like this? We might, but I doubt it. Haye has the tools and even revealed his tactics publicly this week, confidently predicting a round five knockout. (although he made similar claims before Valuev and the 30 year old played hide and seek for twelve rounds)
One certainty is Klitschko won’t change his style just because of the fight’s profile. The Ukrainian is as one dimensional as a Jersey Shore character and he’ll jab his opponent to death before changing tactics or let loose like a deranged Mickey O’Neil.
I won’t claim to be a boxing expert or pass myself as one, but as a sports punter I digest all the information to hand and come to some reasoned conclusion. Listen to the experts, including our boxing trader Mark Lynch as well as the boxing fraternity and make an informed decision about where your money goes.
“From my perspective, I give the edge to Klitschko, but I have to say that, if anyone could beat Klitschko, it’s Haye. Haye has deceptive punching power, and, although Wladimir is physically larger and more imposing, Haye punches just as hard as Klitschko. I see a Klitschko victory just because of Emanuel Steward.” Monte Barret who fought Klitschko in 2000 & Haye in ‘07
“It’s going to be hard for Haye to hit Klitschko clean. This could be an ugly battle with Haye showing flashes of fire as he attempts to land clean shots and Klitschko tying him up as he does so. ultimately, the Ukrainian’s jab and thudding right hand will wear down the challenger, who will succumb to the champion’s strength by around the 11th round.” ESPN’s Kieran Mulvaney
“Klitschko will be too big for Haye and stop him inside the distance.” Boxing promoter Frank Warren.
“Haye’s fast, a thinker, he can surprise Klitschko, I believe. Klitschko’s a great fighter, a big guy, so it’s a dangerous fight for David, but I believe it’s a very winnable fight for Haye.” Legend Oscar De la Hoya
This fight is going the distance. If last week’s Sturm vs Macklin clash – and other fights in Germany – are anything to go by, the “hometown” victory will be on the cards if Haye fails to make an impression. Judges, as balanced as they are meant to be, will have a lot of pre-fight preconceptions and judgments formed and they’ll need to be dismissed. As much as a Haye win will be great for boxing, especially if he does the job in style, I can’t see beyond the size of Wladimir and his record, albeit weak, at this weight level. 11/5 for the fight to go the distance, Klitschko on Points or Decision @ 3/1 are my main bets. And I’ll throw a few quid on Haye to win between 4 – 6 @ 6/1 as a silly saver.
If nothing else, the intrigue and hype around this fight will make it a great spectacle regardless of how it goes down. Who do you think will win? Are you in the Haye or the Klitschko corner? In the words of Mills Lane, “Let’s get it on!
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