Wlad has a chance to improve his standing among UK fans tonight.

I have noticed that the Klitschko's have quite a few detractors in the UK. And when I say detractors, I mean he's hasn't received his due as a top level fighter, and likely hall of fame bound fighter.

If Klitschko defeats Haye, I think the detractors are going to have avoid a double standard.

The choices are 1 ) Klitschko is a great fighter and deserves my respect or 2 ) The hype around Haye was premature, and he's nothing but a top 10 contender who climbed the ranks by beating older and more shop worn fighters who lacked aggression and power. It could be a mixture of the two, but if/when Wlad wins, your respect from him will have to go up a notch or two if you still think Haye is a top level fighter. You can't have it both ways by saying Wlad still is not that good, and Haye is/was a top level fighter.

Haye is in his absolute prime right now.

 

At 212-213 pounds, Haye is the same weight as a prime Ali, Liston, or Holmes. Haye is already bigger than past greats such as Frazier, Marciano, Louis, and Dempsey. If you playing the " natural cruiser weight " card, then Wlad outside of a puncher's chance is simply too big and good for the above names I mentioned. All of the above fighters once fought below 200 pounds. Is that fair about not having it both ways?

 

The true boxing fans who have the ability to keep patriotism out of the equation might come to this conclusion, but I think many UK detractors will not.

Personally I think Haye has been hyped more than a Rocky Balboa movie. Ring Magazine, Fight News, and Box Rec have Haye as their #2 or #3 man behind Wlad and Vitali, but to me Haye hasn't earned this spot. Adamek, Helenius, or Povetkin might be better. I am nearly sold on Helenius being the heir apparent 3-4 years from now.

Having said that, Haye is in his prime. He has top level speed and power. A rank between #2 to #4 today is fair. This is a title unification match. Such events are rare, and there is significant interest in this match. Fighters should receive praise for winning these type of matches.

 

Vitali is fighting Adamek next, who has beaten better heavyweight punchers, and ranked top ten level opponents not over 35 in the heavyweight division.

The funny part is as the fight approaches, people are staring to call Haye a blown up cruiser weight. Didn't see much of that in previous threads.

 

I guess you are having selective reading problems again. atsch Re-read what I wrote, because this has always been my opinion on Haye. Here is what I said in this thread, and have mentioned many times before:

So as you can see I view Haye as the top #2-4 guy today, who 1 ) has a belt, and 2 ) is in his prime. I expect Wlad to knock Haye out today. As for Haye's historical standing, that will hinge on how he does post Klitschko.