After David Haye's defeat by Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday, there has been much discussion regarding various issues that detract from the events that actually occurred in the ring. Haye has mentioned a broken toe hindering his efforts, there have been allegations of German officials providing Team Haye with banned substances and many quarters have criticised the performance of the referee.
Ultimately an impartial observer would have to say that Wladimir Klitschko won fair and square. The giant Ukrainian pulled off a masterful strategy that exploited all the physical attributes that make him a genuine heavyweight great. Klitschko worked the jab all night and never gave Haye a chance to get close. The unanimous points decision would suggest that no rematch would be necessary but this is far from the truth. Even in the post match interview Klitschko expressed regret at not earning a K.O, despite the victory. There is an argument for saying that both fighters lost with regard to their pre-match remit. Haye promised to rip his opponents' head off, while Klitschko promised to make his opponent his 50th knock-out victim. The WBA, IBF, IBO, WBO, and The Ring champion also stated that he does not intend to retire and was not totally happy with his performance.
As far as Haye is concerned, he needs to take some time away from the cameras and formulate a strong,credible P.R campaign to rebuild his reputation. The wild trash talking pre-fight is now looking vulgar, crass and empty following his defeat. The broken toe argument is irrelevant and now is a further obstacle in the fight for Haye's credibility. Once a fighter steps into the ring, he has declared himself as fit to fight and any moaning post fight is just sour grapes, as Klitschko pointed out. The British public will have to be convinced that this time, Haye is not just talking,he is obsessed with the World Titles and will show his intent in the ring. I know many people are shaking their heads at the prospect of a rematch, but it is amazing what good promoting,branding and advertising can do to arouse interest.
A rematch is still viable as both fighters have still got something left to prove to each other. David Haye still has something stashed in his locker, knowing that he did not land the full force of his trademark,'Hayemaker' all night and that this holds the key to his offensive strategy. Haye can also work on using his speed advantage better in offense.The British former WBA Champion showed swiftness in ducking and evading shots, but did not show fleeting hand combinations in attack. The Klitschko jab is as effective a jab as there has ever been and much time will have to spent watching the July 2nd fight to work-out a counter strategy.
There is no way Haye will retire having lost like this. Money is no issue to him, he has been a millionaire for years and as we all know there is only so many cars, houses and watches you can buy to entertain yourself. In boxing, reputation and legacy are everything and there is no way Britain's best heavyweight will look in the mirror without having thoughts of revenge and setting the record straight. I still think 'The Hayemaker' has something to offer in the heavyweight division. In boxing size isn't everything, heart is, and if David still has the heart to avenge his defeat,there are many punters who will pay another £15 to watch him try.
No comments:
Post a Comment