He obviosuly werent falling all over the place like Berbick against Tyson. But he was on the verge of possibily unraveling. And of course he was getting hit - and failing to block punches - did you see his face in that fight ? He looked like he had been in a car crash.
He has next to no chance of beating Wlad. He could potentially beat Vitali if he continues to show the signs of slowing that he has recently. Similar to how he beat Valuev, but he needs to be more active and more focused and really set the pace.
The closest was Valuev. To be fair - in terms of leg endurance - lung fitness - Haye proved himself that night - cos he covered more ground than a marathon runner - with his boring and negative tactics. But he has never been in a tough 12 rounder exchanging punches for the full distance.
He never will be either. He's not that type of fighter. The only way he can last 12 rounds is by pacing himself and not getting hit cleanly often so this is a near impossibility.
Wlad without his jab looks pretty average, there were plenty of opportunities for Peter when Wlad abandoned it but he was just far too slow, this is where haye would have success in my opinion, as well as making Wlad unbalanced using his own footwork
Peter actually has some type of power in him. Peter has never been great, but he's proved he has the power to turn a fight on it's head. Haye's chin aint made of china but it aint that strong either. With Ruiz, Haye knew he was in with a soft hitter, where he could basically take risk's when letting his own shot's go. Now i understand Haye is quicker than Peter is, but Peter can take punishment (the fight on Saturday proved that), and he'd land on Haye in that fight. As a boxer Peter is'nt as much a challenge as Ruiz was, but as an overall danger, he's a bigger challenge
This is the key point that trumps every other in any consideration of Haye Vs. Wlad. Haye was scared to be within punching distance of Valuev for the whole fight and Valuev is slower, less skillfull, lighter hitting and most likely weaker chinned than Wlad . So the question is this: If Haye felt he had to fight like that against Valuev, why would he ever believe he'd stand a chance against Wlad?
Ruiz punches a lot harder than is commonly held. Ask Holyfield - not many people have deposited him on the canvas, have they? Peter doesn't have the speed, poise or timing to be effective against Haye. Haye's hit and run, explosive assaults would see Peter beaten up in about four to five rounds.
I think anybody who think's he stand's a chance with Wlad (other than a punchers chance) need's their head examined
Peter's power is vastly over-rated. He can KO C level fighters but no on else. And his left hook is telegraphed horribly and takes 3 seconds to land.