DeGale Not Impressed by David Haye: "I Can Beat Valuev"
By Mark Vester
Unbeaten super middleweight prospect James DeGale was not exactly impressed with David Haye's big win over Nikolai Valuev to capture the WBA heavyweight title last weekend in Germany. The Olympic gold medal winner says Valuev is a big man at 7'2 but he is one of the worst champions in the history of the heavyweight division. Even with the size difference, DeGale thinks he can beat Valuev. He does give Haye credit for coming to the champion's backyard and outboxing him.
"I watched Haye at the weekend. You've got to give him credit, he went to the champion's backyard and did his stuff. He boxed very, very well but it was a boring fight. I don't want to say this but Valuev is probably one of the worst heavyweight champions. He's big but I could have beaten him! You've got to credit Haye though, he boxed well, showed his skills and showed something different, some proper boxing," DeGale said.
"But he could have knocked him out if he'd stuck it on him a bit more. I know he broke his hand, so he's got an excuse. The heavyweights need a character like Haye. He's fresh-faced and a bit different."
DeGale doesn't deny the war of words with Haye in the past. The two exchanged insults through the media a while back. He says the win by Haye is great for British boxing.
"He's a bit like me, he's got that swagger. Everyone knows he and I don't really get along because he tried to say a couple of things about me and I came back at him. But you've got to give it to him, he's doing his thing and good luck to him. It's fantastic for British boxing," DeGale said.
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