David Haye Too Fast, Too Good For Valuev

In the world of boxing, nobody wants to be wrong. And I certainly did not want to be wrong when I made my prediction that David Haye will win via decision against 7-footer Nikolai Valuev. And Haye really made me look good, not only because the Haymaker won, but the manner of which he bested the Russian giant in his own backyard.

Check my Valuev-Haye preview and prediction for more history on the matter.

I stated in a previous article that Haye will use his superior skills and quick reflexes to his advantage, effectively outworking and outpacing Valuev all throughout the fight. Haye’s efficient footwork allows him to get in close and rain his punches then retreat while firing a shot or two.

Valuev’s size and height advantage may have been glaring at Haye’s diminutive figure, but speed and technique ruled the night for the former undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world.

Haye almost made good his promise of a knockout victory in the final round when he unleashed a three-punch volley that sent Valuev staggering against the ropes, clearly dazed from the punishment he took against the smaller Briton.

Drawing upon Haye's performance against Valuev, I can clearly say that Haye is today's fastest heavyweight in terms of hand speed, reflexes, and foot speed. He can even rival boxing legend Muhammad Ali in that department.

With the win, Haye cements his spot among the top 10 heavyweight contenders and perhaps gained him a ticket to fight either one of the Klitschko brothers.

Of course, he won by majority decision, instead of a unanimous victory I earlier predicted. But still, a win is a win.

Check out the last two rounds of the fight here.

David Haye vs Nikolai Valuev: Both Men Have Hard Work Ahead

In a dramatic pitting of Size versus Skill, heavyweight contender David “The Haymaker” Haye of England will try to dethrone the 2-time and reigning WBA heavyweight champion, the 7-foot, 300-pounder Nikolai Valuev of Russia on November 2, Saturday, at the Arena Nürnberger Versicherung, Nuremberg, Bayern, Germany.

The smaller Haye, who sports a 6’3 frame, have predicted a knockout victory over the giant. While decking a man of the size of Valuev is almost impossible, a decision victory for Haye is not a farfetched reality.

Here are my points.

For starters, Valuev, despite his fearsome exterior, may have lost his touch for knocking out his opponents. While I do not discount the power generated by the Russian Giant, his last five fights went the distance. Most notable fights would be his wins over Evander Holyfield and John Ruiz and his loss to Ruslan Chagaev.

Valuev, if faced with a much skillful opponent, can be outpointed, outboxed, and outworked, as evidenced by his bouts against Chagaev and Holyfield.

Haye, who just recently moved to the heavyweight division, has more finesse than Holyfield and Chagaev, and perhaps more power too. Quite certainly, Haye has the skills required if he wants to win on points against the behemoth from Russia.

He can slip in throw some fast combinations and laterals to either left or right and threw more punches before pulling away.

The slow and sluggish Valuev will have little time to react to any assault the Englishman will concoct come fight night. Simply put, speed and skill will be Haye’s bestfriends in this bout.

That said, I also believe that Valuev can knock Haye out. If the giant can impose his will using his sheer size and reach advantage and pin Haye to the ropes, Valuev can wear the Englishman and set him up for the finish. But with Haye’s speed and superior boxing skills, it might be a herculean task for Valuev to press Haye and make him pay.

My prediction: David Haye via UD


Boxer Profile

David Haye

Record: 22 W 1 L 0 D 21 KOs
Alias: Hayemaker
Weightclass: Heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Style: Boxer
Height: 6'3"
Reach: 80"
Nationality: London, England
Date of Birth: October 13th, 1980

Nikolai Valuev

Record: 50 W 1 L 0 D 34 KOS
Alias: The Russian Giant
Weightclass: Heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Style: Boxer
Height: 7'0"
Reach: 85"
Nationality: St.Petersburg, Russia
Date of Birth: August 21st, 1973