On July 14th at West Ham FC’s Boleyn Ground in London, ex WBA champ David Haye (25-2) climbs through the ropes to face fellow British and Commonwealth champ and world title challenger earlier this year Dereck Chisora (15-3). This bout has received a lot of media attention and featured plenty of promotional methods, with the story all starting earlier in the year when the two had a brawl at the press conference in Munich following the Chisora-Klitschko bout. This supposed ‘grudge’ match between the two appears to be quite a joke as far as I am concerned and does not serve the best interests of boxing. However, if it is what people want to see and it fills seats, then it looks like it will be quite the event.
The reason I believe this bout should not happen is because it is quite clear in my opinion that the fight is very one-sided in Haye’s favor. He is much more skillful, experienced and successful than Chisora. Despite putting up a disappointing performance against Wladimir Klitschko, is in a different league to Chisora who is yet to beat anyone who can be considered a top contender. I do not wish to insult Chisora, his better than expected performance against Klitschkos and his controversial loss against EBU champ Robert Helenius are to be commended. Nevertheless, he will not be equipped to take on Haye.
Not only this, but the bout was never discussed, desired, or even mentioned by the boxing community until the two had their farcical affair in Germany. This is the only reason this fight is happening, as opposed to purely reasons boxing related as should be the case. Some even go as far as to say that the incident was staged, primarily based on the fact that Chisora did not appear angry or aggressive at the time, and he took the microphone with him when he approached Haye. I am not completely sure about this as I have no way of knowing but regardless, this is no basis of which to stage a prizefight. The notions of respect, dignity, and competition are thrown out of the window here.
The only remote possibility I see of Chisora winning would be by a K.O, due to a single good shot which changes the bout. The only reason I mention this as possible is that Chisora has reasonable power and Haye’s chin has been questioned a number of times throughout his career; even by Haye himself who openly admits if he is caught cleanly and with enough force, he will fall. This has happened against Carl Thompson years ago and at the amateurs, against lesser opponents. This is immaterial however for the most part, as Haye has the ability to defend and counter Chisora almost at will due to Dereck’s forward fighting nature.
To conclude, I have no doubts that Haye will win this bout and win it convincingly. He most likely will get him out of there inside 12 rounds but should it go the distance I am sure Haye will win a landslide. All I can say is I hope this is not a precedent and an insight of boxing’s future were manufactured hype creates large fights as opposed to genuine sporting and competitive excitement.
