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has he lost his mind?
Richard Schaefer Brings Up Possibility Of David Haye Vs. Bernard Hopkins!
by James Slater - Remember when the possibility of a Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight was first put forth? The reaction, almost universally, was one of derision. Yet, as was mentioned on today's Boxing Hour show on Setanta Sports, an even more bizarre fight has been mentioned as a possibility - David Haye Vs. Bernard Hopkins up at heavyweight!
Apparently, Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer has spoken about the fight maybe happening if "The Hayemaker" can defeat Wladimir Klitschko in June and then take care of his contractual obligations regarding the two Klitschko brothers. As has been previously reported, Haye, should he shock the odds and beat "Dr. Steel Hammer" when they collide in Germany next month, must then fight big brother Vitali, and then give Wladimir a return fight. That's quite a schedule, and it's perhaps optimistic at best to suggest Haye - as talented as he is - will be able to come through all that and have enough energy to fight again against anyone.
However, should this unlikely scene unfold, and if Haye can win his next three fights - all of them against a guy whose surname ends with the letters K and O - waiting for him, according to Schaefer's pipedream, will be the legendary "Executioner" from Philadelphia.
Often, when as bizarre a turn of events such as this one is suggested as a possibility, people say that "stranger things have happened!" But have they with regards to this potential fight?
Sure, the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight was not one many of us saw coming, and when it did there was much disbelief; but Hopkins, a man who was at his best as a middleweight, moving up to face a prime and powerful heavyweight champion whilst at the age of 45 or more? (which is at least how old the current 44-year-old will be by the time Haye has got through his Klitschko contract).
Some will no doubt argue that due to the brilliance of B-Hop and the fact that Haye is no monster heavyweight in terms of size, the fight could maybe be a winnable one for the Philly master. But at a solid 225-pounds or so, and at 6'3" and with a 78" reach, Haye would hold big enough advantages over Hopkins to cause some concern. It's probably foolish to be even writing about this ludicrous match-up; after all, Haye hasn't beaten Wladimir yet. But I couldn't help it and am perhaps guilty of doing what Richard Schaefer did and got carried away with such a wacky notion.
So many things could happen to stop this "dream fight" from taking place, and until we hear Hopkins himself talk about taking this colossal challenge we must file it away as a massive long shot.
There are limits, even in the sport of boxing!
Richard Schaefer Brings Up Possibility Of David Haye Vs. Bernard Hopkins!
by James Slater - Remember when the possibility of a Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight was first put forth? The reaction, almost universally, was one of derision. Yet, as was mentioned on today's Boxing Hour show on Setanta Sports, an even more bizarre fight has been mentioned as a possibility - David Haye Vs. Bernard Hopkins up at heavyweight!
Apparently, Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer has spoken about the fight maybe happening if "The Hayemaker" can defeat Wladimir Klitschko in June and then take care of his contractual obligations regarding the two Klitschko brothers. As has been previously reported, Haye, should he shock the odds and beat "Dr. Steel Hammer" when they collide in Germany next month, must then fight big brother Vitali, and then give Wladimir a return fight. That's quite a schedule, and it's perhaps optimistic at best to suggest Haye - as talented as he is - will be able to come through all that and have enough energy to fight again against anyone.
However, should this unlikely scene unfold, and if Haye can win his next three fights - all of them against a guy whose surname ends with the letters K and O - waiting for him, according to Schaefer's pipedream, will be the legendary "Executioner" from Philadelphia.
Often, when as bizarre a turn of events such as this one is suggested as a possibility, people say that "stranger things have happened!" But have they with regards to this potential fight?
Sure, the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight was not one many of us saw coming, and when it did there was much disbelief; but Hopkins, a man who was at his best as a middleweight, moving up to face a prime and powerful heavyweight champion whilst at the age of 45 or more? (which is at least how old the current 44-year-old will be by the time Haye has got through his Klitschko contract).
Some will no doubt argue that due to the brilliance of B-Hop and the fact that Haye is no monster heavyweight in terms of size, the fight could maybe be a winnable one for the Philly master. But at a solid 225-pounds or so, and at 6'3" and with a 78" reach, Haye would hold big enough advantages over Hopkins to cause some concern. It's probably foolish to be even writing about this ludicrous match-up; after all, Haye hasn't beaten Wladimir yet. But I couldn't help it and am perhaps guilty of doing what Richard Schaefer did and got carried away with such a wacky notion.
So many things could happen to stop this "dream fight" from taking place, and until we hear Hopkins himself talk about taking this colossal challenge we must file it away as a massive long shot.
There are limits, even in the sport of boxing!
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