Comments Thread For: Hearn: Haye Not on Anthony Joshua's Radar For Next Three Fights

[The plunger man]

He hasn't earned the shot, but to be fair, boxing isn't really about 'earning' the shot nowadays, whether we like it or not, it's about BUSINESS. What the hell did AJ do to 'earn' his shot at the IBF? Tell me that. All he did was fight Dillian Whyte, another unproven contender. He got the shot because of BUSINESS. Because he sells tickets, he's established himself on PPV (apparently) and his team could give Martin a huge payday.

Haye's just fought two nobodies and sold a very respectable number of tickets for both shows. He has a huge fan base, whether you like it or not. Ergo, he represents a huge fight for Joshua money-wise, not to mention a genuine test. He's a former heavyweight champion, quick, athletic, a devastating puncher, experienced, has fought a lot of different styles etc.

Your point that people are backing AJ to beat Fury, and so you are surprised they are picking Haye to beat Joshua, is a confusing one. Haven't you heard the phrase 'styles make fights'? Just because people believe AJ has a style that's all wrong for Fury doesn't preclude them from thinking the same about AJ and Haye, namely that Haye's speed, athleticism, in and out movement, timing and counter punching (not to mention power) will overcome AJ's robotic movements (and suspect chin).

The fact that you think AJ will just get in there and 'flatten' Haye shows your complete ignorance. There's no precedent for this eventuality, Haye's never been flattened in his whole career, having fought Klitschko, Valuev, Chisora etc. He has a very solid chin. At worst, he loses a decision IMO. But personally I think Haye sparks Joshua out inside five rounds. Joshua is stiff and mechanical, Haye is fast, fluid and explosive with superior timing. It's a question of styles, really.

Fight could go both ways with Haye and Joshua and I think the way you explained is pretty much on the mark.....Haye is quick and has world class timing ..his variation of angles and delivery of punches are also top notch , but it could also turn out that Joshua keeps Haye honest with his power and can use his size and length and we don't really know whether Haye can take the kind of shots Joshua could land..Joshua's the same size as klitchcko and we all saw Haye become intimidated and fight scared...one thing I will say that if Joshua can take Hayes power and starts landing there's only one winner after that....I agree styles make fights and Haye I think is a lot more dangerous for Joshua than fury is..that's always been my opinion