By James Slater: I’ve gone around and around over this fight, ever since it was first signed, sealed and delivered (for this year, not the original 2009 date!) and I’m still hugely unsure of what will actually happen. Haye is arguably the fastest, most powerful opponent Klitschko has ever faced; while Klitschko is without doubt the strongest, most experienced, hardest hitting and just plan best heavyweight Haye has ever faced.
Some experts, such as Mike Tyson, see an early blast-out of a win for “Dr. Steel Hammer,” while others, such as Carl Froch, see a mid-rounds win for Haye. For what it’s worth, I give my prediction here. I’ve predicted an end to the Klitschko dominance so many times I’ve pretty much learnt my lesson. However, I do see tonight’s fight being one of the toughest and most mentally taxing in the great career of the 35-year-old Wladimir.
Here are Wladimir’s main strengths/advantages going into tonight’s rumble:
His greater experience, his advantages in height, reach and weight, his superb left jab and right hand and his ability to use his physical strength to tie an opponent up. Also, Wladimir has a great advantage by having the great Emanuel Steward in his corner (indeed the subplot that is Steward Vs. Adam Booth is also hugely intriguing)
But what are Wladimir’s weaknesses?
Wlad’s weaknesses are: he can be flustered when a foe throws lots of punches from different angles; as Haye can. Wladimir always needs time to get settled and get into his rhythm in a fight. Also, and possibly most crucially, his chin has let him down before (down 11 times as a pro); maybe it will again?
In “The Hayemaker,” Klitschko faces a man who has never lost at heavyweight, is younger and full of arrogance/confidence and has genuine power in either hand.
What are the 30-year-old’s main strengths/weaknesses going into tonight’s showdown?
Haye’s advantages are: his youth, his hand speed, his quickness and his ability to throw unpredictable shots from awkward angles.
And Haye’s weaknesses:
His suspect chin (down four times as a pro), his lack of heavyweight fights and his tendency to get tired in the later rounds of a fight. Also, Haye can be reckless with his lack of defence.
Outcome:
After a cagey opening round by both men, I think Haye will step up the pace and come out fast in the 2nd. He will have some success, maybe even wobble or deck Wladimir – but Klitschko will hold on, get through the crisis and regain his composure as Haye tires. Then Wladimir will begin to dominate and he will tag Haye again and again. It could be a case of Booth throwing in the white flag or of the referee deciding he’s seen enough (I don’t see Haye getting laid out clean)
I see Klitschko winning a late-rounds TKO – say round 10 or 11.