Haye Makes a Heavyweight Statement in Win

[kayjay]

He is still learning though. There is a lot of raw potential, but its packed into the body of a green fighter who could coast to reasonable success on just his natural skills.

The last part I agree with, but it's hard to learn these things at such a late age. People slag Sam Peter, but Peter's fundamentals are much better than Haye's, and that's on a true HW frame. You're right that Haye's physical abilities will earn him wins against second and third tier heavies, but Maskaev is a name that should not be dreamed of here (see two posts up).

[.Mik.]

I'm not sure.

I'm convinced of his potential from his last bout and from many others. I'm unconviced either way about how that potential can transfer to success. I think that potentially, if he put his tools together and tightened up his weaknesses, he could be a very impressive boxer. His determination to face good quality opponents makes me get behind him.

I cant think of anyone in the current Heavyweight climate who I would say that he COULDNT beat if he continues to progress well and improves upon his weaknesses. Afterall, he's a relatively young and fresh 27 year old who hasnt been through many tough fights. On the other hand, I am not convinced that he will continue to progress and wont instead just rest on the skills he currently has to get him through many an easy fight until he faces a top-drawer opponent, loses to them and pretty much quits.

[BrooklynBomber]

If he is brought up right, Haye can become a star attraction for British HW scene, but damn, boy needs to learn a few things. And *****g him against any of the champions is not gonna do him any good, they are all still much better than him. He needs more experience as well as some schooling and than we talk about *****g him against someone more live. Right now, he needs to beat up on a few more Molis of the world and than try to go for more durable fighters. After that, him and Mesi should try to get it on.

[kayjay]

I'm not sure.

I'm convinced of his potential from his last bout and from many others. I'm unconviced either way about how that potential can transfer to success. I think that potentially, if he put his tools together and tightened up his weaknesses, he could be a very impressive boxer. His determination to face good quality opponents makes me get behind him.

I cant think of anyone in the current Heavyweight climate who I would say that he COULDNT beat if he continues to progress well and improves upon his weaknesses. Afterall, he's a relatively young and fresh 27 year old who hasnt been through many tough fights. On the other hand, I am not convinced that he will continue to progress and wont instead just rest on the skills he currently has to get him through many an easy fight until he faces a top-drawer opponent, loses to them and pretty much quits.

To be honest I have not done my homework here. It's possible that he was sloppier than usual, but it's also hard to imagine a smallish HW succeeding with only straight punches.

As far as "anyone" is concerned, I'm full on the Ruslan Chagaev bandwagon; there's a counterpuncher that someone like Haye will never be able to even punch, let alone beat. Peter and WKlit are another story.

[BrooklynBomber]

To be honest I have not done my homework here. It's possible that he was sloppier than usual, but it's also hard to imagine a smallish HW succeeding with only straight punches.

As far as "anyone" is concerned, I'm full on the Ruslan Chagaev bandwagon; there's a counterpuncher that someone like Haye will never be able to even punch, let alone beat. Peter and WKlit are another story.

I agree, Chagaev will put Haye through hell and will work him all night, with Haye's balance issues. Haye got obviously better handspeed than Valuev, but I dont see him land too many clean hits on Ruslan who is good with parrying and head movement.

Edit: any HW with balance issues would have his hands full with slick southpaw

[Toller]

Maskaev is a name that should not be dreamed of here (see two posts up).

You don't think Haye has the potential to beat a heavyweight like Maskaev in the future?

[.Mik.]

Fact is, at the moment, I wouldnt bet (real money) on Haye to win against any fighter who can take him over 8 rounds. He needs to prove that he can survive a tough fight and that he's solved his conditioning and stamina problem before I can consider him to be a serious potential threat in the HW division.

[kayjay]

How's Haye's chin, by the way? I've heard rumors but have not seen. It better be first class, the way he opens up.

[BrooklynBomber]

You don't think Haye has the potential to beat a heavyweight like Maskaev in the future?

Maskaev will most likely get beat by Peter and than retire. as of right now, i think Maskaev will just be too much for him, he is a seasoned veteran who been through many wars

[kayjay]

You don't think Haye has the potential to beat a heavyweight like Maskaev in the future?

No. Read above posts. Sorry, but unless he receives a full on makeover, which is hard at 27, he's never going to be at the very top. Certain things should be learned waaaaaaay earlier than that. But he'll remain an entertainer. I'll watch his fights.