Haye Can't Lead, Therefore He Can't Beat Wlad

If surviving is the goal, instead of winning. Then yes.

There were many moments. But Haye is did not have the tools or ability. He understood what was mentality was needed of him but never capitalized on any opportunities.

I wrote a long ass hell post that ESB didn't process so I'm irritated. But basically, Haye's best point of offense was a feint/fake left hook that had Wlad flinching and reacting, which set up a beautiful overhand right. That wasn't a counter, but a point of attack. There were many moments where Wlad reacted, anticipated, flinched, and backed up to Haye, but Haye just went back to long range. A distance where Wlad was obviously at an advantage. Obviously Haye doesn't have an in-fighting dimension needed, but he should've known that he had to at least be aggressive. Wlad doesn't fight well off the back foot. When he's offensive, he's great.

 

If there was ever a concern more apparent. We saw a lot of that yesterday. Bob & weave, re-set look for the counter. It was Chageav all over again. You saw times when Wlad flinched or reacted and pulled back but Haye retreated the distance he negotiated for when Wlad was in positions he was clearly more vulnerable. Haye's best plan of attack of offense was a feint/fake left hand which caused Wlad to lean back and freeze which set up the right hand that landed in the 12th. It wasn't a counter, but a point of attack. Some (Even me a little) may have bought into the idea that Haye would translate his style a little when he said "You need to put him out of his comfort zone and pressure him." But he didn't have the tools or mentality regardless of what he understood. He & Chageav are naturally more inclined to counter. Not push on the front fight and be aggressive. How did Haye ever expect to put Wlad out of his comfort zone with low out-put and counter-punching from a distance.

When I re-watched the fight (Yeah, I know, wtf) I found the end of the 8th or 9th round funny. Haye did his best Mike Tyson impression, looked to sloppily slide step for the first time in the fight and the bell range and he belted Wlad on the back when he was trying to lean forward to clinch. If Haye showed more that intuitive, despite his uncomfort in doing so he could've had a much greater chance.