Former WBA heavyweight champ David Haye served as a pundit for Sky Sports this past Saturday, to commentate on and analyse IBF heavyweight ruler Anthony Joshua’s KO win over a tough and game Dominic Breazeale. And though AJ got the job done in style, winning via 7th-round stoppage, Haye says he saw nothing to change his belief, his conviction, that he will defeat Joshua if and when the two fight.
Haye was reluctant to give away his tactics, stating, “I’m not going to tell you how I’ll do it, but it will be done,” but he did say his ability at avoiding punches will be key. Haye claims he would “see every shot coming” from Joshua, adding how, “I don’t get hit.” As proof of his defensive qualities, Haye mentioned the loss he suffered to Wladimir Klitschko and his last meaningful win, over Dereck Chisora. It’s true Haye didn’t take too many punches at all in either fight, but both bouts took place a few years ago. Has Haye slipped a little since 2011/2012?
We haven’t really been able to gauge Haye and his remaining skills in his two comeback fights, as the quality of opposition left much to be desired and lasted a total of less than three-rounds combined. But Haye says he has more than enough to defeat Joshua and that he doesn’t need to face any quality of opposition. Haye insists he “can beat anybody.”
“I don’t believe he’s anywhere near as fast as I am. I could see every shot coming,” Haye told Sky Sports when speaking on Joshua. “I don’t see any issues whatsoever so I’m patiently waiting until he believes he’s ready because when he is, I’m ready to go. I do not need any quality of opposition. I don’t get hit. Wladimir Klitschko landed two or three punches on meand Dereck Chisora landed the same. I don’t get hit – that’s my quality. That’s my thing.”
Haye never mentioned Shannon Briggs, the puncher he is expected to fight next, but assuming he gets past the vocal (and possibly dangerous) 44-year-old it could be a shot at Joshua after that. Haye might not get hit much by the slower Briggs but Joshua will surely tag him. Can Haye use his experience, his speed and his defensive qualities to good effect against the young champ? It would be an interesting fight but Joshua has plenty of other interesting fights out there for him. With the likes of Joseph Parker (Joshua’s mandatory), Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury calling for Joshua, Haye could wind up being disappointed.
But Haye has the biggish fight with Briggs to look forward to and then, possibly, a heavyweight fight with WBC cruiser champ Tony Bellew (Haye insists this fight will only happen at heavyweight). Just in case AJ doesn’t accept his challenge.