Chagaev stood toe-to-toe with Valuev and still won. It's not like Valuev has super human power and you don't stand a chance if you don't run.
no he didn't. he maintained distance just outside of the range of valuev's jab & jumped in with flurries.
Combination of reasons, 1./ Haye hurt his right hand early in the fight 2./ Haye overall didn't fight his 'best' fight, and I think he knows that now 3./ Valuev's ludicrous size makes him awkward 4./ Haye landed good punches early which didn't hurt him much In retrospect I think if they fought again now Haye would win in much more convincing style. He proved he had the skill to stay away, and the power to hurt him. I've always thought a fighter with power, and something about them could destroy Valuev. He's a terrible fighter. Yes maybe people read into the Valuev fight that Haye will run from Klitschko; however, I don't think so. Staying on the outside will not work for too long against him. He will HAVE to roll the dice in the first 6 rounds and go all out at some point to hurt Wladimir. Will it work? Odds say no, but I've followed boxing for a long time now, and covered it for 4 years. Haye is in my opinion a very live underdog, and a great bet to cause an upset.
This is exactly as i see it as I agree that haye's only chance is to hurt wk early. what i dont agree on is that haye is a "very live underdog." the peculiar thing about this fight is that haye really is not an underdog to suit my definition. i always think of a dog at +180-200. wk is only at -180/haye+150. i really think that this fight should be wk-350/haye+280 and i still would not take haye. haye could cause an upset if he comes to fight and will accept punishment. he may come to fight but i dont think he will accept the punishment needed to possibly win the fight. people are dwelling on the fact that wk has been ko'd before but that was many, many years ago and before ES had cultured him into what he is today. this is a very defining moment for both wk and es and it is unwise to bet against both es or freddy roach when they are serious and come in with a plan. chris byrd came to fight and had a great camp but quickly realized that coming to fight and winning the fight are entirely two different things. "Everybody has a plan until they get hit." -Mike Tyson This is starting to shape up as a 10 unit fight for me and is looking better than bader -450 against ortiz.
Haye had a LOT to lose in the Valuev fight, a loss may have ruined the WK fight as well as the money he could make prior to that. On the other hand he has NOTHING to lose against Wlad, he is retiring after all. Taking risks will not be as big of a deal.
No he didn't. Chagaev stood on both feet and kept countering Valuev with his left. Proves the point that even an average fighter like Chagaev with heart and courage can outbox Valuev in close quarters. Haye had the option to do like-wise but chose his potshot & run strategy.
It wasn't the supposed "broken hand" that was an excuse he fought the same way in the first round as he did the whole fight throwing 11 punches many of them Jabs at Valuev's chest. Atrocious fight.