By James Slater: Anyone and everyone, it seems, is debating the fate of former undisputed (barring the IBF belt he never claimed) cruiserweight and WBA heavyweight champ David Haye right now. In light of his disappointing showing against Wladimir Klitschko, some people are suggesting all manner of moves for “The Hayemaker” should he decide to carry on fighting.
But in dismissing the talk some people have of Haye dropping back down to Cruiserweight (“I’m not a cruiserweight moving up to heavyweight,” Haye said way back in 2008. “I’m a heavyweight who was killing himself making cruiserweight.”), I feel the 30-year-old’s future lies at heavyweight. But with an immediate rematch with Wladimir all but ruled out and a straight shot at WBC king Vitali also out of the question (Haye has to earn a shot at him, Vitali says, quite rightly), who should Haye fight so as to restore his reputation as one of the most exciting, watchable heavies out there?
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer has said his advice is that Haye gets himself a couple of good and impressive wins over recognisable names whilst fighting in the U.S. Haye may not want to take this approach, but just in case he does realise what must be done, I list here some potentially thrilling fights he could be involved in.
It’s not over for Haye unless he wants it to be, and tell me you wouldn’t tune in to see these fights!
1: Haye Vs. Chris Arreola.
Imagine this one going down in L.A! Arreola, one of the most fun-to-watch big men around today, against the powerful, light on his feet and (usually) naturally aggressive Londoner. Would Haye risk making a statement by agreeing to fight in “The Nightmare’s” Backyard? If he did, and if he got himself an impressive win, Haye would be back in favour with many of the fans he lost in Hamburg.
2: Haye Vs. Robert Helenius.
A risky fight for both men. Haye would win back some respect if he agreed to travel back to Germany to face the unbeaten Finnish hope who is based there. For “The Nordic Nightmare” the fight would represent a big step up in class. The winner, especially if he won in style, would be right back in the title hunt.
3: Haye Vs. David Tua.
Sure, Tua is past his best at age 38 and after having suffered many months of inactivity, but the Samoan slugger remains a solid and durable bomber capable of wrecking an opponent. Haye, if he looked to launch his trademark hayemakers, would give us a potential slugfest classic against the sledgehammers of the short and stocky Tua. Unlike July 2nd’s affair, this one would definitely end via a violent KO.
4: Haye Vs. the Dereck Chisora-Tyson Fury winner.
In what would be a huge fight for British boxing, Haye Vs. the winner of the July 23rd showdown would pack ’em in. On a number of occasions both Chisora and the likewise unbeaten Fury have hurled criticism at Haye: a fight between the former world champ and whoever it is who holds the British title would see one of the up-and-comers attempt to walk the walk.
5: Haye Vs. Alexander Povetkin.
We’ve been waiting and waiting for the Unbeaten Russian to make his move. Against a returning Haye, whether the fight took place in Germany, Russia, America or the U.K, no fan would accuse Povetkin of dodging a worthy test. Sure, both men have disappointed us just lately (Povetkin by not fighting at all, Haye by not fighting enough against Wlad) – but something tells me this clash would not let us down when it comes to proving good action.
Will any of the above fights actually happen? Probably not; but if he does resume his career Haye will have to fight someone!