By Luis Sandoval
David Haye was in attendance at the Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola heavyweight showdown where Stiverne prevailed and was crowned with the WBC title that was vacated by Vitali Klitschko. The Klitschko’s have held the heavyweight division hostage for years as they were in possession of all four major titles but now Vitali has retired and Wladimir’s reign is seemingly coming closer to the end.
Haye has always managed to add flare to the division with his outspoken ways and ability to draw attention whenever he fought. Unfortunately for him, he’s currently sidelined after a shoulder injury that required reconstructive surgery and is still in the rehabilitation process.
When BoxingScene caught up with Haye, he was asked what his thoughts were on the current state of the heavyweight division and the Klitschko’s dominance looking to be coming to an end soon.
“I think what happened tonight is good. It gets some new fresh blood in the mix. The Klitschkos are pretty boring. I don’t think they even show them on American television. They don’t show them on UK television. You’re the Heavyweight champion of the world, a dominant heavyweight champion and no one is interested. Sky Sports don’t pick it up. All these networks don’t pick it up because nobody wants to see it” Haye would tell BoxingScene.
As dominant and successful as the Klitchko’s have been, their drawing power doesn’t appear to go much further than Germany as they are able to fill up arenas but not able to cross over into other markets. Their fights stopped being aired on US networks and though they are still successful in the right regions and are profitable, they have not been able to reach global popularity like a Floyd Mayweather or a Manny Pacquiao.
Haye believes Wladimir is a dominant champion but regardless of his accomplishments, nobody is interested in watching. He rather watch two hungry fighters like Arreola and Stiverne than the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
“That’s a sad state of affairs that you got a very, very dominant heavyweight champion like Wladamir Klitschko – who is a very good fighter – no one is interested in seeing him because his fights are boring. They’re predictable; he picks opponents to where you pretty much know the result. That’s why it’s nice seeing these guys doing it here tonight. Although they don’t look like the heavyweight champion of the world, at all, it’s an entertaining fight. I’d rather watch this fight than Wladimir’s last fight for all the belts that he has. I saw like 10 seconds of it and turned it off. I’m not interested. This, I watched this. I was entertained” said Haye.
Haye hopes to be able to make a return to the ring soon and be able to entertain the fans.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter & Instagram @Truewest007.
