By Vadim Pushkin
Former two division world champion David Haye was very surprised when his countryman, Tyson Fury, outboxed Wladimir Klitschko on November 28th to capture the IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO heavyweight world titles.
It was the first loss for Klitschko (64-4, 53KOs) in more than a decade.
Haye, who lost a twelve round decision to Klitschko in 2011, had never seen his former opponent perform in such a non-active manner in the past. Klitschko barely threw any punches during the contest.
The British fighter has no idea what happened. Haye is not sure if Klitschko simply turned old, couldn't overpower a bigger opponent, or couldn't deal with Fury's strategy.
"Absolutely [I was surpsied]. I firmly believed that Klitschko would remain champion. Tyson Fury is not exactly the most talented boxer. But Klitschko has simply not been beaten. That was very strange. I've never seen him so intimidated. It looked almost as if he was afraid," Haye was quoted on German radio.
"He is almost 40 and has countless championships and training camps behind him. It's possible [that age caught up with him], but the mind has to want it when the body can't. Or maybe Klitschko can only win if he is physically stronger and can clinch. Suddenly there is someone like Fury, who can cover a wide distance, and [Klitschko] is completely helpless. Now I understand very well why he never dared fight Nikolai Valuev in the ring."