By Phenyo Molefe: Upton Park was charged with electricity, as the crowds shamelessly cheered their protagonists on, casting fuel to the flames which ignited Mayhem in Munich while they indulged in the atmosphere of Britain’s most anticipated bouts of recent years. The masses who refused to be deterred by unfavourable weather conditions, soon found their spirits elevated by the anticipation of carnage soon to be unleashed in the arena.
Michael Buffer honoured the men with his distinguished introduction while they prowled the ring like incensed lions burdened by a lust for combat as they glared with a focussed intensity. Having already been acquainted in previous engagement the combatants wasted no time in renewing their bombs. Dereck started his locomotive, edging forward and was greeted by Haye who sought to establish ground in the opening round. It was clear in the early stages that David was throwing the cleaner shots, as jabs were followed by some powerful rights and hooks to the body. Chisora showed a good defence, at times opening up with the jab as he sought to bring his clubbing fist crushing into David’s temple. There were notable occasions when he launched paralysing overhand rights, which were quickly followed by hooks to the cranium or torso. He continued to push forward pressing for combat in close quarters but even there he struggled to match his foe punch for punch. David’s speed was very apparent to all; he got off quicker, seemed to find ‘perfect’ footing as he threw punches from varied angles and landing with notable accuracy.
The third round proved to be quite exciting as it saw increased action from both men as they willingly served each other bombs from a manner of positions within the ring. Dereck’s club was being thrown with more frequency, however Haye found a means to absorb some of the leather and moved out of harm’s way at other occasions. This was definitely Chisora’s best round; he had changed his gears up and freed his hands, employing the double hook in opportune moments. I was a little concerned at the end of the round, when Chisora’s punching momentum continued even after the bell rung, clipping David with a lunging left hook.
Chisora began the fifth round propelled to press Haye against the ropes as he unloaded some notable body blows from the outside. Haye often smothered Chisora on the inside and was surprisingly comfortable walking the big man back as he sneaked a couple of his own short range shots. David reclined to boxing off the back foot, ducking and giving Chisora some movement to contend with. However without announcement, David countered with a left and right hook combination which sent Chisora down for the first time in his career. Initially I did not perceive how hurt Chisora was, however he did not even relegate himself to holding on but was willing to let his hands go and throw fire bombs of his own. Having sensed blood, David’s Haymakers found home yet again, forcing the referee to stop the action after Chisora was deemed unfit to continue after the second knockdown.
Chisora‘s efforts were valiant but on this night, he found himself visibly outclassed in all segments by the foe before him. His career is still taking root and he has gained much experience from his recent his bouts, the task for him now is to recuperate and unveil a strategy to prepare for the boxing ambitions he has at heart. There is no shame in loosing this match; I do not see many fighters being able to contain the dynamics which Haye presented that evening. This is the Hayemaker who should have fought Wladimir last July and indulged the heavyweight division with a new found star.
The explosive manner in which he re-launched his name back into the heavyweight division has mostly likely given many fighters and fans reason to think and readdress their plans. A fight against Vitali is what Haye and boxing fans seek but the sentiment emanating from Vitali’s camp has not pointed in the same direction on this occasion. I cannot accuse Vitali of cowardice because that is far removed from his character; however make no mistake fighting David Haye poses a threat for any charge in the heavyweight.
I give David credit for his efforts but in equal measure his humility in giving Chisora the credit due and that which fighters should afford each other, respect. Like most of you, I welcome the peace these two combatants have found at the conclusion of their duel, casting a fairytale ending to the Upton Park Files.
Although I know he will not fight this year, I implore David to continue fighting irrespective of whether Vitali retires to politics or not. I still subscribe to the belief that he has a lot to offer boxing and gain in building a formidable legacy. In the very least he should reclaim the heavyweight boxing title and in due course fight Wladimir Klitschko. His exciting style and explosive finishes are certain to breathe a notable resurgence in the fan’s interest in heavyweight boxing. I thank David Haye, Dereck Chisora, Adam Booth, Don Charles, Frank Warren and all those who were involved in delivering a bout that has now silenced the storms from Mayhem in Munich and awakened an air of excitement in a division searching for new leases of life.