David Haye vs. Vitali Klitschko - A Done Deal?
Published December 15, 2008 by Martin Bean
Reports are today circulating that a deal has been reached for Great Britain’s Heavyweight hopeful, David Haye, to challenge Ukraine’s WBC Heavyweight Champion, Vitali Klitschko next summer in an outdoor spectacular.
Whilst the final details of the contract need to be formally agreed, sources have claimed that both camps assured them that the fight is all but made. If so, it would represent a massive gamble for Haye in just his second fight since moving up to the blue riband division.
Whilst Haye did look fantastic in beating Monte Barrett last month, Vitali Klitschko is another matter entirely. Right now, I have a feeling this may be a gamble too far for Haye. I honestly think that the Bermondsey fighter would have been better served by meeting Wladimir Klitschko first, as Wladimir’s chin would give David a huge chance of winning. If Haye wins that fight, it sets up a match against big brother Vitali, when the rewards would be even higher—surely a wise move in what is a very dangerous fight for Haye.
Instead it looks like ‘Dr Ironfist’ Vitali will be in the opposite corner in Haye’s next contest, which is a daunting prospect. Despite having just one fight in the past four years (W RET 8 in winning the WBC Title against Sam Peter) Vitali is widely recognised as the world number 1 at Heavyweight.
Klitschko remember has an impressive 36-2 (35 KO’s) record, outlining exactly why I fear for David Haye in this contest. Not only can Vitali punch—only Timo Hoffman has lasted the distance against him in a top level career—but he can also take a punch. Whilst both defeats were inside the distance this was only due to injuries; a shoulder injury forced a retirement against slick American Chris Byrd in 2000 along with a defeat on a cut to ring legend Lennox Lewis in 2003, a fight Vitali was winning when stopped.
So it’s quite possible that Haye may not be able to knock Vitali out—if an 18 stone Lewis couldn’t manage it I’m not sure even the granite fisted Haye can. As big as Haye’s punch is, it’s not been tested against a huge Heavyweght like Vitali. If Haye can’t land that ‘bingo’ punch then surely it would only be a matter of time before Vitali landed one of his own venomous punches on the fragile jaw of Haye.
Typically the bookmakers are quick to offer odds and they seem to agree with me, making Klitschko an overwhelming 1/5 favourite against Haye, who is a 10/3 underdog.
We will follow this with interest and can only hope that this fight is made official soon – finally, a Heavyweight Title fight to get excited about.
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