By Vitali Shaposhnikov: While there aren’t too many dream fights out there that even slightly resemble the proposed Pacquiao vs. Mayweather drama, one fight comes close.
It has been a long time since the boxing community longed for a good, competitive heavyweight championship fight. Dubbing the Klitschko brothers “dominant” would be a gross understatement. It seems there is only one fight that can spark interest for the heavyweight division fans: Klitschko vs. David Haye.
From vigorous trash talk to Haye’s t-shirt depicting him holding Wlad’s and Vitali’s severed heads, this proposed match has seen it all. Negotiations came close and fell through, deals were reached and then dropped, threats and public challenges elevated the level of drama to definite excitement.
After much uncertainty, it seems the fight will come to fruition in 2011.
On December 24, 2010, the Klitschko brothers made a public statement. “We promise that in 2011 the fight against Haye will come,” said the Klitschko brothers in a joint statement on BILD. “We want this fight at all costs! He can choose which of us he wants to step into the ring against to lose his world title.”
Earlier, there were rumors that both parties agreed on a 50/50 purse split, almost making this deal complete. With the mentioned rumor of a January 4 deadline for unification bout terms, and the above mentioned statement, we just might have a fight to look forward to!
Apparently, David has two options—fight Wlad or Vitali Klitschko.
David Haye (25-1-0) vs. Wladimir Klitschko (55-3-0) would probably make more sense. There is more history and more of a personal agenda driving this fight. Whether it takes place in Germany, the UK or the USA, this just may sell out nicely. I am hoping that neither of them agrees on fighting in their opponent’s home, and moves this event to neutral ground such as Las Vegas, NV.
Haye could also go after Vitali Klitschko (41-2-0), and attempt to take out the older brother first. Vitali is going to turn 40 next July, making him presumably way past his prime, even though his boxing doesn’t show it.
So, who do you think is the safer fight for Haye (if there is such a thing in these proposed match-ups)?
Against whom would the fight be more exciting and competitive?
Which fight simply makes more sense for Haye?
In this writer’s opinion, there is no safe fight. Both Vitali and Wlad are tremendously skilled boxers, and I see both of them beating Haye. Wlad might have more trouble, as his chin is in question, and Haye seems to be fairly active and accurate with his hands. It’s a matter of getting past Wlad’s vicious jab.
I think the exciting fight would be a fighter versus a boxer who is willing to trade, which would unquestionably be Vitali Klitschko. I can see them trading shots at any given moment, and who knows, maybe Haye has the power to stop Vitali.
I am happy this fight is moving forward, as besides this, there is simply no other heavyweight bout to look forward to in 2011.