By Martin ‘The Brain’ Potter of the Boxing Clever Podcast: Alcoholics, they say, are always alcoholics no matter when they had their last drink. Fighters – another breed of men who punish their bodies in pursuit of a high – it seems, are always fighters no matter how long ago they retired.
Whilst an addict’s need for a high is tempered by the cash needed to fund his hobby, the filthy lucre is a vital ingredient that, when added to the thrill of the fight, makes a heady cocktail that many former boxers – no matter how great – find hard to resist. So has the recently retired, and now seemingly un-retired, former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye decided to come back for the thrill, the money or simply a shot at redemption?
Having recently read the excellent book ‘Making Haye’ I am of the belief that Haye never really had any intention of retiring and that it was just another game he was playing in order to firstly get a shot at one of the Klitschkos, and secondly force either a rematch with Wlad or a bout with Vitali. It seems his strategy worked. Twice.
Although I am of the belief that money is a motivator for David Haye, I don’t (and many will disagree with me) believe it is the driving force behind his proposed ‘comeback’. And despite the fact I have mentioned the thrill of fighting as being addictive to many former fighters; I don’t feel Haye is as in love with the game as many boxers have been. If the hard hitting Londoner just wanted some easy money and a punch – up then he could have played the British circuit and beat up on some big names with big mouths but little talent (I’ll leave you to work out who I’m talking about…)
Many don’t like David Haye’s bombastic nature or his game playing and whilst I find some of his antics distasteful, I feel he is ‘coming back’ for the right reason; he wants a shot at redemption. Haye isn’t addicted to fighting; he is addicted to a burning desire to be the best, which is why he has limited his comeback options to a Klitschko or nothing. Is he being realistic though?
I gave David a decent shot of beating Wladimir prior to their July bout, but Haye was too tentative and found the younger Klitschko brother’s speed, size and discipline too much to deal with. Whilst I initially thought he would find it even harder against the tougher Vitali, I can see some flaws that Haye could expose should the fight come to fruition. Vitali is slower than Wlad but more aggressive, both factors that could work in Haye’s favour. Haye will be able to avoid Vitali’s slower shots, get into range more quickly and fire off counters as Vitali tries – and unlike Wlad, he will try – to knock him out. Haye will get more opportunities to land his big ‘Hayemakers’ because Vitali will be more open due to his desire to take Haye out. Like I say, Vaitali’s aggression could play into David’s hands… or it could just lead to Haye getting KO’d!
Haye is not shot, but he is now drinking (or should that be bar room brawling?!) in the last chance saloon. Let’s just hope that he isn’t made to fall over by a strong shot of the Eastern European variety. .. And make sure you wear steal toe – capped boots this time Dave!
For more ill-informed boxing opinion and poor attempts at humour from ‘The Brain’, tune into the Boxing Clever Podcast at www.boxingclever.libsyn.com. You can also email me at boxingcleverpodcast@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @theboxingbrain