Why are people so critical of Haye's performance against Wlad?

[sunny31]

Actually, as one-sided as the fight was, the rounds were very, very competitive. I thought the plan was excellent. Haye just didn't have as big a balls as he likes to think he has. If he DID...and threw just a few more rights he could've won.

He needed to use the left hook, and some more upper body movement also. Thing is it looks easy from the outside, but wlad is just very difficult to fight now. One of his sparring partners made the point that it is really difficult to actually get to wlad's torso, because he uses his arms to block and smother shots. Even if Haye came from underneath I think the size and strength advantage would mean that Wlad would just smother him. Mike Tyson would have been a nightmare for Wlad, but Haye is the total opposite to that, he needs to almost beat him at his own game.

[IronDanHamza]

Well that was the problem. He didn't throw enough at all. I don't think that was the plan. Everything else he did was on point. He offset Wlad's defense, had solid head movement, circled the ring well (didn't run as some have said here). He just didn't throw enough. And I thought the rounds were pretty competitive with a one or two punch swing carrying the day. I confess I watched the fight several times, intrigued by the chess match.

I've watched the fight several times myself. Atleast 10.

I think that was the gameplan, though. To try and outbox him, and beat him at his pace.To me, that's a terrible game plan.

Haye is never going to beat Wlad by Decision, he doesn't have the ability or skills to do so IMO.

Going into that fight and not throwing combinations being part of his gameplan tells me that the gameplan he had was poor.

Like I said, one punch a time is never going to do it.

[IMDAZED]

I've watched the fight several times myself. Atleast 10.

I think that was the gameplan, though. To try and outbox him, and beat him at his pace.To me, that's a terrible game plan.

Haye is never going to beat Wlad by Decision, he doesn't have the ability or skills to do so IMO.

Going into that fight and not throwing combinations being part of his gameplan tells me that the gameplan he had was poor.

Like I said, one punch a time is never going to do it.

Well yeah, if that was the plan that's horrible. Don't think it was though. Haye just didn't pull the trigger. And credit to Wlad too. He is very skillful and underrated IMO.

[IMDAZED]

He needed to use the left hook, and some more upper body movement also. Thing is it looks easy from the outside, but wlad is just very difficult to fight now. One of his sparring partners made the point that it is really difficult to actually get to wlad's torso, because he uses his arms to block and smother shots. Even if Haye came from underneath I think the size and strength advantage would mean that Wlad would just smother him. Mike Tyson would have been a nightmare for Wlad, but Haye is the total opposite to that, he needs to almost beat him at his own game.

Yeah I really commend Wlad. He is just a damn good fighter with few weaknesses.

[sunny31]

Actually, as one-sided as the fight was, the rounds were very, very competitive. I thought the plan was excellent. Haye just didn't have as big a balls as he likes to think he has. If he DID...and threw just a few more rights he could've won.

A lot of people hate him because he talked the talk but didn't walk the walk. I'm a fan of Haye but i felt ripped off after the Wlad fight as it looked like he went in there to survive 12 rounds rather than try and take Wlad's title.
It was frustrating to watch, yes i know what his game plan was but he should have realised that it wasn't working and he refused to change until the final round where it was too late.

Since he's been a heavyweight he has been a very defensive pure counter puncher, in fact even in the Enzo fight at Cruiserweight he was like that so
obviously that's what i expected him to fight like, but i didn't expect him to
think he was that good where he could knock Wlad out with 1 punch. He was
looking for that 1 punch all night and he was never going to knock him out
with 1 punch. I also think he underestimated Wlad's speed, he thought he
would be faster but Wlad matched him for speed and i don't think he expected
that.

All in all it was a disappointing performance, add that to the fact he made
excuses after the fight and his fake retirement bollocks and that's why people
don't like him.

As a big Haye fan who has watched his whole career even i don't give him
much credit for staying in with Wlad for 12 rounds. I'd rather he tried harder
and put it all on the line considering he announced it was his last fight
beforehand even if it meant he got stopped himself, at least then he could say
he tried to the best of his ability.

This stuff about him fighting Vitali doesn't bother me too much, he has a better chance against him than Wlad but at the same time can you seriously see Haye stopping Vitali considering he will fight exactly the same as he did in the
Wlad fight and considering Vitali has one of the best chins in boxing?!

It is a totally different fight, Vitali has a better chin, but is slower of foot and hand. Haye made Wlad miss a lot, but couldn't land his own. I think he could land much easier on Vitali. Vitali is more aggressive though, it is an interesting fight, and more entertaining then the Wlad fight for sure.

[Dirk Diggler UK]

The game plan was terrible in the first place. And the fact that Gaye showed no willingness to adapt or try something different is another reason why people are critical.

[Doctor_Tenma]

That has always been his style, Wlad's performance wasn't much better either, he too fought very cautious. My blame was never solely directed at Haye, but no complaints here as neither of the two are versatile. As soon as Haye would open up, Wlad would back pedal as oppose to countering and Haye would do the same exact thing. Difference is Wlad's size and ability to tire out his opponents with his weight by laying on them in the clinches...allowed him to take the initiative better. Haye is no different than Pascal, both fight exactly the same way if one looks closely, the same exact style man. And for the record I gave Haye 4 rounds...

[TOBYLEE1]

I don't get it, most of you call yourselves hardcore boxing fans, how did you expect Haye to fight? Have you not watched his career?

I see so many people using this argument to criticise Haye, his career, plus using it to bash him in terms of not deserving another pay day, and robbing the public. But I knew how the fight would go, I knew the problems Wlad presented to Haye and vice versa, it was always going to be a chess match. You have one guy who is a single punch counterpuncher, and another guy who likes to fight at range and ties up in close. Both fighters have stamina issues and questionable chins.

I am certain that Haye thought he would knock Wlad out, but he couldn't do it on the night because Wlad fought a brilliant fight and used his superior technique to nullify Haye Yes he talked a lot to sell the fight, but why did you as "hardcore" boxing fans buy into the hype?

Why do you feel he deserves so much critiscm when 90% of his career was very entertaining and full of knockouts. I am not trying to patronise anyone or defend Haye or his career, because everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I would genuinely like answers. I think he is an extremely talented (but flawed) fighter,and he has a good career, and I also think a lot of people on here twist facts to hate on him.

Haye just came into the fight looking to survive not to win it. He didn't even try

[sunny31]

Haye just came into the fight looking to survive not to win it. He didn't even try

Total Bull...this is exactly what I am talking about.

[IMDAZED]

That has always been his style, Wlad's performance wasn't much better either, he too fought very cautious. My blame was never solely directed at Haye, but no complaints here as neither of the two are versatile. As soon as Haye would open up, Wlad would back pedal as oppose to countering and Haye would do the same exact thing. Difference is Wlad's size and ability to tire out his opponents with his weight by laying on them in the clinches...allowed him to take the initiative better. Haye is no different than Pascal, both fight exactly the same way if one looks closely, the same exact style man. And for the record I gave Haye 4 rounds...

Solid observations, man.