David v Goliath As Haye Takes On Valuev
Nuremburg Preparing For WBA World Heavyweight Title Clash
Oct 28, 2009
With boxing struggling to reach its former heights, many hope David Haye’s challenge for Nikolai Valuev’s WBA world heavyweight title can match the ‘David v Goliath’ hype Londoner Haye is keen to encourage.
Can Title Fight Give The Sport A Much-Needed Boost?
The division is seen as the pinnacle of the sport in terms of prestige and interest for the wider public. Unfortunately, since Lennox Lewis quit in 2004, there have been few genuine recognised world champions in terms of quality, prestige and crossover appeal. The rise of mixed martial arts, controversial world-title decisions and continued disinterest of the mainstream TV channels - certainly in the UK - have done little to promote the sport.
Haye Aiming To Defy The Odds
On paper, the Nuremburg clash is a mis-match. Valuev, nicknamed ‘The Beast from the East’, stands at 7ft 2ins tall, weighing over 23 stone (322lbs). He has lost just once in 51 bouts, is the tallest and heaviest world champions of all time – and has never been knocked down. 'The Haymaker’, whose record is 22 wins and one defeat in the paid ranks, is giving away over 90lbs and at least nine inches in height, although he brings to the table youth, a positive no-nonsense attitude and a big heart. He has come back to win fights against decent opposition having been knocked down in the past. A former world cruiserweight champion, Haye vacated his titles to pursue his ultimate ambition – to become heavyweight champion of the world, having boxed successfully at the weight as an amateur.
Can Londoner Follow In Lewis’ Footsteps?
Haye is aiming to become Britain’s first heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis retired in 2003 – although Lewis feels he will be giving away too many physical disadvantages when the pair meet. However, he will not have fought for nearly a year when he steps into the ring. A proposed summer match-up with IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in Gelsenkirchen, Germany was called off due to a back injury. Much shorter men have run Valuev close, including against four-time former heavyweight king Evander Holyfield, a fighter more naturally suited to cruiserweight. Well past his best, the 46-year-old almost caused an upset in December 2008 when they fought in Switzerland, losing on points to much derision from experts, who believed Holyfield should have been awarded the verdict. It was Valuev’s last fight before facing Haye.
Publicity Building For Heavyweight Date
Recent press conference appearances have seen Haye belittle his opponent at every opportunity. There was the bizarre sight of Haye ‘grappling’ with a man dressed as a goblin – meant to be his Russian opponent – while at the same press call he punched the head off a cardboard model of his opponent. Haye recently described his opponent as “the ugliest human being I’ve ever seen”. Valuev meanwhile prefers the silent approach – preferring to do his talking in the ring.
Tactics Could Be Key To Outcome
‘The Haymaker’ is a natural showman, and is not afraid to go for all-out attack in a bid to defeat his opponent. His tactics are likely to involve a lot more controlled aggression, aiming at the rib area – although getting through the Valuev defence could be tricky. He will hope to take advantage of the Russian’s lack of mobility and punching speed, while avoiding his opponent’s useful right hand and uppercut. There is method to the press conference madness. The big-swinging Haye believes his best chance of success is to encourage the bigger man on to him.
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