Wlad has been sparring with Steve Cunningham the cruiserweight champion which is probably a good way to prepare for Haye. Im finally interested in watching a heavyweight fight. Look forward to seeing this one. I still like Wlad by stoppage. I dont think Haye can take Wlads power.
It's puzzling that Wladimir Klitschko is such a big favourite in this one. After all, it's only Wladimir Klitschko. It's not like Haye's going up against a prime Mike Tyson or a prime George Foreman. Klitschko wouldn't go in the top 20 heavyweight champs of all time and he's probably forgotten what it's like when an opponent punches back. Look at his last 6 opponents; Sultan Ibragimov - dull, uninspired, no gameplan Tony Thompson - limited Hasim Rahman - shot Ruslan Chagaev - dull, uninspired, no gameplan Eddie Chambers - a powderpuff punching pacifist Samuel Peter - shot, no gameplan Surely Klitschko can't believe his luck at the string of accommodating softies he's faced. I'm not saying that Haye has a glittering record at heavyweight, but Klitschko hasn't either. Remember, this is probably the weakest era in heavyweight history. No true heavyweight legend would lose to the likes of Corrie Sanders or Lamon Brewster (and Klitschko wasn't a novice when he faced them - he was already a ranked contender). I think an interesting factor could be Adam Booth in Haye's corner. He's proven to be a pretty good tactician (he mapped out impressive tactics for George Groves to beat James DeGale). All he needs to do is find a way for Haye to get past the Ukrainian's jab and it's anybody's fight.
Disagree. There is a huge advantage in corners and it sure isn't Booth leading the way. Plus, Haye has 3 punches to worry about on the outside, not 1. Jab of course, plus that real nice sneaky short left hook Wlad throws lead or off the jab. And the straight right hand of course. The other big factor is that Haye is not a busy fighter by any means. He has minimal punch output and is very content to cruise along in 2nd gear. The Klitschko offense will not allow him to have that slow of a pace and he definately holds his hands low. If Wlad gets comfy and solves him, it's going to be real tough for Haye. Lots of Wladimir's opponents have suffered brutal ko's once solved and never been the same after. It's going to be a tightrope walk in there & we'll see how it plays out.
Someone call the Doctor Lightman (from "Lie to Me"), in my opinion Haye is scared and unconfident !! his face shows that, Wlad looks like a killer.......eyes of tiger !
Agreed:good. Hence Haye having the fall-back of 'Retirement before October'. Do not be surprised if Haye pulls out either before or during the fight with a pulled muscle/shoulder/whatever. That way he saves a bit of face, gets paid, and still brag about 'what i was going to do before this injury kicked in'.