WBA Heavyweight Title: Haye v Valuev

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

Any thoughts on the title fight tonight?

The fight is capturing the imagination, I feel, (in Britain at least), because of the immense 'cartoon quality' of the Little Boxer (relatively speaking) against the Big Boxer (indisputably). Inevitably the promoters have leapt upon the tired 'David v Goliath' motif but it definitely goes further than that. Seeing the two men standing next to each other really throws the bout into genuine cartoon territory. I think Haye in his usual restrained way has already described Valuev as a 'cartoon character'.

I've just listened to a radio show where they explored this in more detail. If Haye wins it won't be because of a stoppage, or a points victory, it will be because an anvil (or possibly a piano) drops on Valuev's head, or Haye uses itching powder in Round 5.

Tonight, the WBA Heavyweight Championship of the World, sponsored by Loony Toons.

So, who are you backing: the Big Boxer or the Little Boxer?

[SpiralHawk]

1. Ya gotta see a pic to appreciate this

That's Haye in red...

[JonLP24]

2. Should be interesting

Unless it is on cable I won't be seeing it but I'll check online later to find out who wins.

[H2O Man]

3. Interesting fight.

Haye has the potential to make the heavyweight division competitive again. Many US "experts" are upset that he is fighting "the Giant," instead of one of the Klitschko brothers. However, the financing for the propsed Wladimir fight fell through, and Vitali wanted too much of the gate. If David wins this title, he is in a great position: the Klitschko brothers may despise him, but they want that title. And he can demand equal pay.

Valuev is not a great fighter. But, he is big. His newest trainers have taught him to jab, and to sometime toss a right hand down the pike after the jab. At 7' and 300 lbs, that's going to be felt by any heavyweight. However, he is slow, and his only defense is his size.

David says he will knock Valuev out. However, no one has even hurt him. But he can be outboxed. Speed, side-to-side movement, and a high volume of punching (particularly counter-punches) are the way for David to win. In the past, he has had issues with getting tired, so he must not throw too many hard punches early. Hit, and don't get hit.

He should be able to win today. More, he will have an opportunity to hone the skills he will need to defeat either of the Klitschko brothers. I'm looking forward to watching the fight this afternoon.

[JonLP24]

4. I always appreciate your commentary

I learn a lot about the fighters in question and what it takes for them to win. I looked up Haye and he was a Cruiserweight that moved up to Heavyweight. He is 23-1 with the one loss coming to Carl Thompson in Wembley. That's just looking at a win-loss sheet and a brief history but you bring an added perspective. It would be great to see the fight. :thumbsup:

[SpiralHawk]

5. Any results to report on?

Don't want this thread to get lost amidst a blizzard of college football confetti. (Go Huskers. Kick Sooner keester!).

[H2O Man]

7. David won

a majority decision. One judge scored it even, at 114-114; the other two had it 116-112. I thought that David won, but by a narrower margin. He gave away several of the mid-to-late rounds, by allowing Valuev to throw and land more punches.

David became the first person to actually hurt Valuev. It came late in the 12th round. The referee managed to get between them and delay the action long enough to allow that window of opportunity to close.

Haye will beat Ruiz next, in a mandatory defense, then it's on to the Klitschko brothers. He will KO Wladimir, although Vitali will present serious problems for him.

[Mr Creosote]

6. King of the world!

Haye fought the perfect tactical fight - despite breaking his hand on Valuev's head in the third. I think Valuev landed one punch. Job done - now David can go back to blasting opponents.

[Lord Tredegars Macaw]

8. Well done David Haye!

He fought sensibly, and adapted in a way some people thought he was incapable of. He thoroughly deserved the victory and really rocked Valuev in that last round.

It wasn't a great fight by any means, but the right man won. Next up for Haye appears to be Ruiz in Britain (probably at the o2 Arena in London) and I think he will be far too fresh, fast and powerful for Ruiz. He genuinely wants to unify the division and he has already got under the skin of both Klitschko brothers. I'm sure they will be desperate to shut up the brash Londoner.

It could be an interesting couple of years for the Heavyweight division.

At last.

Well done David!

[SpiralHawk]

9. Wow - Little Boxer beats Big Boxer

[T_i_B]

10. I'm giving this a kick

:kick: