The unknown factor was how good Haye was physically after the injuries and whether he was carrying an injury. Haye is clearly denuded physically. The other factor was that we under estimated Bellew, and Bellew has an iron madible. He also showed immense heart. Those two factors lead to one of the biggest shocks ever in British boxing. Had there not been the injury, then I still think Bellew would have won.
I agree. Haye deserves props for staying in there, I thought he was gonna quit. Before the 6th though I thought we saw a fighter well on the slide. Haye looked slow and his timing was way off. He looked like a fighter who's mind was telling him to do stuff but his body couldn't. Injuries and inaction all played there part. Time for him to call it a day.
Haye still needs money and the biggest money out there is in the rematch. Its going to happen- but only if Haye can get back from this injury in the next 6 months. Likewise, its the biggest money fight out there for Bellew other than possibly a suicide fight against AJ.
Jesus I've never got a prediction soooo wrong, I'm usually on the money . I was convinced this was a complete mismatch but wow I was miles out. Might have to rethink my own judgement on boxing.
Its pretty clear now that Haye was in it for a few more pay days and he probably knew his body was breaking down. coming back with those two non fights and doing nothing for another year tells its own story, plus the fact Adam Booth was out on this comeback. Maybe Booth knew Haye's body was done and this was bound to happen? I just never thought Bellew would have enough to last the few rounds and make this apparent. Its a sad story really but a common one for these older boxers coming back. From the first bell it was just obvious he was an old version of himself, lumbering and missing punches. he earned his purple heart though and thank god for his sake he didn't quit on his stool. whatever the critics say they can really deny he went out like a warrior, unless they are going to be idiots about it. some might say Haye had no choice but to carry on injured like that due to his reputation, so it wasn't real but forced. which is ridiculous. we have seen fighters that have quit time and time again or fallen apart. Look at Golota or Harrisson. Haye did actually have the mental strength to keep trying, he wasn't even trying to survive, he was still trying to land that one shot that could have ended it, he didn't quit. So yeah I was in the camp that called him a con man, and maybe he was for trying to continue a career with a broken body in an effort to get that last massive purse but one thing is for sure, Haye is no coward, he is what he said he is, a fighter. His heavyweight career has been a let down but he gave the fans a lot in this fight, think about it.
just did what many did is all, I been watching boxing for years but saw no way Bellew had this. Its something to celebrate though, being surprised like that is what makes boxing great, it needs these types of stories at the moment as well. you think you have every angle sussed out then all these elements come into play. yeah Haye was injured but Bellew's own toughness plays a part in lasting long enough for the injury to take place. Us along with many others underestimated Tony. I am sad about it but also find it inspirational in a strange way. for once a man is as tough as he says he is, I thought he would be gone in one. Haye was past it and I don't think Toney would have lived with the version that took out Chisora, but I felt even a past it broken Haye could beat him to be honest. wrong on that count....
Your obviously not including the knockdown before his leg went ? Should have been 3 knockdowns as he was too unfit to stay on his feet so fell over.
I think when things started to look really bad in there for David Haye he became acutely aware of Bellew's pre-fight talk about him quitting. He probably knew he couldn't win but he didn't want to let Bellew have that on him. He showed incredible heart and stubborness. I also think Bellew coasted a couple of extra rounds more than he had too to allow Haye the opportunity to quit. Both of them showed a lot of character.
Judges scorecards reveal 96-93 to bellew, which does in fact prove haye was winning when he was knocked down in round 6.
He probably was winning at that point but it was a close fight and nobody said Bellew (including Haye himself) would go past 4 rounds. I had it 2-2 after 4 rounds and 4-2 to Haye after 6.
Haye was up prior to the injury disaster, but the first 2-3 rounds he looked sluggish, wild and his timing was way off. He then settled into the fight, the jab was starting to land nicely and he was doing well. Then the injury occurred. Don't get me wrong though, Bellew was certainly in the fight and doing well up until the injury surfaced as well. He clearly went into the fight injured, but respect to the guy he showed a lot of bollocks last night but I think he should look at calling it a day. As a physical specimen the man is a beast, but his body is breaking down.
Again I think people are over doing the Haye showed a lot of heart. Fair play to him for carrying on but it is not like Bellew was coming at him with any constant pressure.