By Phenyo Molefe: In light of Saturday’s controversial bout I dusted footage of David Haye’s and Dereck Chisora ‘s last fights and this proved an even more important exercise seeing that David Haye has not fought since his loss to Wladimir almost a year ago.
Wladimir is undeniably the highest regarded heavyweight boxer and in his last fights he proved to be far more superior than the fighters who stood before him. In his bout against Haye, he adjusted well to the varied approaches David Haye attempted to present.
I am not of the mind that David Haye did as badly as we have seen cast across news headlines following the fight last year. However relative to all his prefight boasts and potential, his approach was found lacking of substance. However this is not enough to cast him into some unfathomable abyss; we seem to have forgotten that at times Wladimir actually struggled to contain the elusive Haye.
David is undeniably a talented fighter, to dismiss him merely as a talker is to ignore that which has already accomplished in his career. I care not to sing him praise but to rather articulate that which I deem to be real. His notable defence was impressive against Wladimir as he amazed with his notable head and torso movement; for most of the night he could see the punches coming and made the bigger man miss countless times. He has been gifted with notable reflexes and athleticism which were in fine display. He seemingly rendered both Emmanuel and Wladimir frustrated with the constant movement. However as the bout progressed it became evident that he was unable or unwilling to exploit the openings his brilliant defence created.
I feel that Haye should have done more to exploit Wladimir; not only making him miss as detailed in my pre fight article but punishing him with controlled flurries to his body and then stepping out the way preparing for the next onslaught. His work rate was not suffice, he allowed Wladimir to outwork him in almost every segment. More meaningful punches should have been thrown with intent not always to lame the opponent but to exert pain and inflict damage upon the opponent’s amour.
Yes; David does posses cannon balls in both hands and more noted in his right hand, however a man like Wladimir is never going to be worn by simply one punch. A good defence coupled with perpetual movement and loaded cannons are required to bring heat to this talented fighter. There was just insufficient activity even in the clinches. Do you remember the former Sam Peter and his approach to Wladimir in their first fight?, this man was possessed , unafraid to absorb punishment in order to deliver devastation.
David swallowed some punches which certainly tested his wits and he still stood and at occasion retaliated. I am not concerned about his chin or his ability to absorb punishment but I do concern myself with his strategy and the apparent inability to adjust it against Wladimir offense.
At the end of this fight last year, I strongly advised against David entertaining a fight against Vitali at that stage. Vitali’s style presented a far greater challenge relative to his brother and in my humble eyes is the better of the two.
Although the choice is not mine, I really believe that David should not go out on a loss; as it would be the site of abbreviated potential and a loss to boxing and its enthusiasts. However such a decision rests with him and those close to him and that is something we will have to respect, the freedom to follow his path.
I saw an immense opportunity for David in the process of regaining the momentum his career could have easily been re-established. He should have targeted another top rated heavyweight within four months of this loss and then take upon a series of bouts in the US. He had to deepen his experience in the heavyweight division so as to unleash the promise his potential unveiled. His approach in his last bout was often too tentative for the fire he possesses and what would be required to leave a lasting impression in the history books. In order to unsettle a bigger man one must be willing to engaged in close quarters and do so effectively. I have to credit Wladimir who has a seemingly unloved approach but a great defence and an ability to adjust his offense; he turned things around and contained David‘s efforts.
The measure of champion is not where he stands on his most glorious days but what he does in the midst of disappointment and the opportunity to re-write his-story. I still believe that David has the tools, position and opportune settings to add that which he has already established through the years and allow history to give him an even greater account.