The public were shocked when the seven-foot tall, “Beast from the East”, Nikolay Valuev was beaten on points by British challenger, David “The Hayemaker” Haye, but it was no surprise to the boxing experts. Bookmakers had predicted Haye would become the WBA World Heavyweight Champion in Nuremberg earlier this month. The fight overall was not the greatest of spectacles. Both boxers plotted a tactical approach, with little action for the mainstay. In the final rounds Haye picked up the tempo; his more offensive approach helping to seal the fight. Haye’s tactics were spot on, doing did just enough to clinch the bout on points but conserving his energy to attack Valuev at the optimum moment.
Whilst levelling no criticism at Haye for his conduct throughout the fight, it is disheartening that Valuev, although a hugely imposing individual offered no real vigour in return. As he had done in recent title defences, most recently against the then 46-year-old and off-the-top Evander Holyfield (a fight many believe should have been awarded to Holyfield unanimously on points), he adopted his one-dimensional ‘hunt and jab’ game. Haye’s constant movement countered this, not letting Valuev get into a rhythm nor a position to edge rounds.
In contrast to those who had tried and failed before him, with the exception of Ruslan Chagaev in 2007, Haye was patient and disciplined, answering Valuev’s lack of technical ability with hard, well-placed punches. Ensuring he scored points throughout the rounds, he capitalised on Valuev’s desperation in having to ‘go for it’ in the last couple of rounds. The risks the Russian took left him exposed as Haye actions resembled his usual game, scoring devastating combinations.
Haye had no reason to fear his opponent. Valuev had no victory by knock out in his last six fights; his lacklustre, basic style giving Haye the initiative and enabling him to manipulate the fight. For someone who had generally dominated the WBA Heavyweight division for four years, this gave an insight into the poor standard of recent times. In truth, although Valuev was indeed a ‘World Champion’, the WBA has been by far the weakest out of the four major sanctioning bodies since Lennox Lewis held the title in 1999.
This was the view of Frank Warren after Haye’s victory. He classed Valuev as one of the “poorest heavyweights” he had “ever seen”. “Everybody gets carried away. Just because he is a giant of a man doesn't mean he is a good fighter.”
It will be a different story against either of the Klitschko brothers. Haye will be forced to prove he is a great fighter. Vitali and Wladimir occupy the WBC, IBF and WBO titles between them and their records show they are the best fighters in the Heavyweight field.
Haye’s next fight will be a mandatory defence against John Ruiz who has lost to Valuev on the two occasions they have met. I certainly wouldn’t bet against a knock out victory for Haye, who has already made his intentions clear by claiming he will knock the “spark” out of Ruiz.
If he is triumphant, the boxing world will be calling for a Klitschko – Haye super fight destined to be a hugely lucrative and exciting option for both parties, and, arguably, the biggest fight in the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis’s last victory of this career, over Vitali, back in 2003. Probably scheduled for late 2010, a win over a Klitschko (most likely Vitali) would see Haye face the other brother, with Wladimir (considered by ‘Ring Magazine’ to be the more accomplished of the two brothers), still lying in wait.
Another potential opponent that could not be ruled out is Bernard Hopkins, who needs little introduction. ‘The Executioner’ has claimed he will “be heavyweight champion in 2010” after returning to the ring after a 13-month absence, winning unanimously on points against Enrique Ornelas. This would arguably be considered as a more attractive fight in the US than if Haye took to the ring with a Klitschko.
Something on Haye’s side is his charisma, sure to boost pay-per-view sales. While Valuev gave Haye respect before their contest in Germany, Haye gave his opponent countless provocative comments such as “zombie”, “ugly” and a “freak show”. Richard Schaefer, chief executive of the illustrious ‘Golden Boy’ promotions said Haye’s victory marked a “new time in the sport” and he praised Haye’s personality, saying he has talent and skills inside the ring but can transcend those with his charisma outside.
At just 29 years of age, Haye may find himself in an era where he can go on to dominate the weight class, in the same vein as Joe Calzaghe in the super middleweight division. With the lack of ‘world-class’ competition, except for the Klitschkos, 38 and 33 respectively, in two years Haye could potentially have ensured his place as the leading force in the heavyweight division, and could be top of the pile for as long as he wants to be. Deep down, Haye must realise what a step up a Klitschko contest would be. Although he had his game-plan, executed with aplomb on this occasion, it will require much, much more to gain a heavyweight crown in one of the other organisations.
What Haye has achieved cannot be taken away from him being only the second professional boxer to have made the transition from the cruiser to heavyweight division and to win world championships in both, the first being Evander Holyfield. Despite his status as an all-time-great in the heavyweight division secured, Haye must realise that it is only the tip of the iceberg for him. He may have the right to say he is a ‘world champion’ but it is elsewhere in the division where the strength really lies.
