David Haye - Boxing's Next Superstar?
Published November 11, 2008 by Martin Bean
As we approach David Haye’s debut as a fully fledged Cruiserweight, could he be the man that will be the flag bearer for British boxing over the next decade and save Heavyweight boxing at the same time?
With Joe Calzaghe’s career coming to an end (or possibly over already), Ricky Hatton is not far behind. Rumour has it a defeat on November 22nd would see Ricky call it a day, whilst victory means we might only see Hatton for another six to twelve months. Meanwhile, the Heavyweight Division experienced a small improvement with the return of Vitali Klitschko, but the way he dominated Samuel Peter showed how there is a lack of worthy challengers; Peter was an exciting puncher with a chance apparently, yet was dismantled with consummate ease.
Last year British boxing had a record number of World Title Holders—now we have just one, Dagenham’s Nicky Cook. The Heavyweight Division is now full of Eastern European’s, who can’t capture the imagination of the British or American public.
Whilst there are a number of good prospects coming through the ranks in British boxing, as well as a huge pool of talented amateurs, it seems only David Haye can possibly become a star as big as Calzaghe and Hatton, potentially even bigger than Lennox Lewis, former Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Some may consider the Lewis comment ridiculous but remember that Lewis wasn’t always terribly exciting. Some fans (including me!) would be bored to sleep in some fights (David Tua for example) yet exhilarated when we let his punches go, such as against Andrew Golota.
David Haye is a hugely charismatic man. Haye is an exciting fighter, win or lose. Someone who is willing to take risks and take the fights that no-one wants. With a questionable chin, it seemed crazy at one time he might take on Heavyweights but his dominance in the Cruiserweight Division meant the leap was inevitable.
If Haye can beat Barrett this Saturday night at London’s O2, a succession of two or three more wins could see this likeable Londoner on top of the world. Clashes with either of the Klitschko’s seem imminent and beating one or both of the giant brothers will put David firmly in the world elite.
The world is crying out for a Heavyweight star and Haye could prove to be the answer. It seems nothing is ever straight forward with Haye, but as long as he ends up on top, it doesn’t really matter.
Read our preview and betting tip on the David Haye clash here.
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