Does Haye have a chance against Vitali?

Former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye (26-2, 24 KO’s) feels quite a bit better about himself after his decisive and spectacular 5th round stoppage of fellow Brit Derek Chisora a week ago. After his disappointing performance against WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (58-3, 51 KO’s) “The Hayemaker’s” victory over “Del-Boy” was just what he needed to help boxing fans forget about his less than scintillating performance against the younger Klitschko.

According to Vitali’s manager Bernd Boente, Haye was given the opportunity to fight “Dr. Ironfist” in September and opted to fight Chisora instead. It may have been a wise move on Haye’s part. To some extent Haye has redeemed himself in the eyes of his fans and boxing fans in general. In addition David went a long way towards restoring his own self confidence. Even Boente had to concede that he was somewhat impressed by Haye’s spectacular showing. Boente went on to say that a fight with Vitali is not out of the question and that it would be the biggest fight in boxing. With a ringing endorsement like that from Boente it is highly likely that somehow a match between Haye and Klitschko can be arranged. After all, money is the bottom line in boxing as it is in any other business.

Obviously boxing fans of both fighters have been speculating as to the outcome if a Haye – Klitschko fight, were to take place. Haye’s fans are quick to point out that at 41 Vitali appears to have slowed down to some extent. They also point to his last fight against Chisora in which he appeared gassed in the final rounds. It should be noted that boxing is similar to an actor in a movie in the aspect that both are judged by their last performance.  Vitali failed to KO the rugged Chisora, a fighter Haye disposed of in five rounds. Many Have fans and even some boxing writers conveniently ignore the fact that Klitschko was hampered by a shoulder injury making his left hand nearly useless after the 3rd round.  Still it has to be acknowledged that Haye is a good deal faster than Vitali and may be able to successfully land pot shots from a distance. Presumably “The Hayemaker’s” strategy will be to outhustle and outbox the slower Klitschko. It is unlikely that Haye will be able to KO the granite chinned Vitali.  Klitschko will likely want to go out in a blaze of glory and what could be more satisfying than to KO his long time nemesis? Vitali is a lot more aggressive than his younger brother and will do everything he can to rough up Haye in an effort to slow him down. Klitschko will go for broke in the attempt to bludgeon Haye into submission. There is also some question as to how David will fare with regard to stamina in the later rounds.