We all sat around our screens, a large chunk of the boxing community followed the build-up of this fight which started all the way back in Munich, in February. We waited and took in the considerable media exposure and promotional stunts which were used in order to draw our attention to the bout. We heard them insult and criticize each other for months and claim a K.O victory throughout the while proceedings. After all that we watch a mildly entertaining bout which went exactly as expected. David Haye (28-2) knocks out fellow Londoner Dereck Chisor (15-4) in 5 rounds in order to win the WBA Intercontinental and the WBO International Heavyweight titles.
The theme throughout the fight was quite simple to summarize. David Haye out boxed the aggressive, less-skilled, and slightly sluggish Chisora. Chisora did constantly attempt to apply pressure to Haye which was certainly the right tactic but he did not possess the ability to carry out this tactic with significant success. When he did get in close, his shots seldom landed, and when they landed Haye at least ducked or slipped in order to mitigate the cleanness of the shot and therefore its damage.
Haye simply stood back and picked his opponent apart and waited for his opening. He was patient, methodical, and countering Chisora at every opportunity. His right hand was frequently on target and his footwork was as good as any cruiserweight or heavyweight, today. I will stress that people should not be too quick to shower Haye with praise however as he looked great against a much lesser fighter, it is that simple.
Chisora for his antics, and sometimes semi psychotic actions is just that, a lesser fighter. While most thought this was going to be a more balanced fight, Haye’s skills were that much more superior in taking out Chisora. Chisora outweighed Haye by more than 30 pounds and it showed. Haye’s speed was his best asset in stopping Chisora in 5.
The idea that this bout should be seen as some form of world title eliminator is all wrong. The way this fight went should not at all be used as a way of gauging how Haye would do against Vitali even at 40.
Haye should not have the right to beat a mediocre domestic opponent in an impressive manner, and then be allowed to walk into a title fight, which people who fight at the very top level and earn their title shot against the best.
With the landscape of the heavyweight division being what it, it’s almost certain that Haye will land a shot with the elder Klitschko. It’s a money fight and is notably the biggest name that Vitali could possibly take on after his sparring session with Manuel Charr. There are other names in the division not named Klitschko that could make for interesting bouts. But outside of Povetkin, I don’t Haye sees any one of them as a real money fight. Who knows? Haye certainly throw his name back in the hat as a contender in the division.
