By James Slater: Go back a few years ago, and London heavyweight and former undisputed cruiserweight champ (apart from the IBF belt that was the property of Steve USS Cunningham) David Haye was ruffling a fair amount of feathers with his soon to be infamous “severed heads” t-shirt stunt – where Haye wore the offending garment that depicted a victorious “Hayemaker” standing above the beheaded bodies of both Klitschko brothers.
Well, in what must be looked at as a touch of “have a taste of your own medicine,” upcoming Haye opponent Dereck Chisora, himself no stranger to controversy (an understatement!) wore his own insulting t-shirt during a recent open work out ahead of the much maligned, still in doubt July 14th all-London clash. Wearing a t-shirt with the headline “Ain’t toe stopping us now!” emblazoned on it, Chisora also wore his customary cheeky grin.
Having a firm pop at the partial excuse Haye used when losing widely to Wladimir Klitschko almost a year ago, when an injured little toe hampered Haye’s movement and ability to pivot (an excuse no-one bought), Chisora attempted to get even further underneath Haye’s skin. The t-shirt stunt is mild compared to some of the wild things “Del Boy” has done in the recent past – his post-fight brawl with Haye at the Munich press conference, his slapping of Vitali Klitschko, etc, etc – and Chisora really does look as though he is having fun ahead of the July 14th showdown.
Rest assured, though, Chisora will be all business when the bell rings next month (if it actually does; promoter Frank Warren says the recent actions of the EBU, to “remove” the Luxembourg Boxing Federation; who were to have sanctioned the fight, will NOT prevent the fight from taking place).
Haye, in my opinion, had better be training hard for this one. Chisora says he sees Haye as a cruiserweight, one who never does his roadwork at that – and “Del Boy” is convinced he will be too physically strong for his archrival. Haye has the speed and power, but Chisora has the chin and the toughness. Chisora may also have the mental edge. Haye is attempting to ignore/laugh off Chisora’s various stunts and taunts, but he does seem to be genuinely wary of his upcoming opponent.
Chisora appears to be a totally fearless warrior, with even the mighty Vitali failing to intimidate him. Is Haye the same? On the night, the skills of Haye may well allow him to win a wide decision and to even make it look relatively easy. But Haye had better make sure he’s in shape for 12 long rounds. Haye should definitely do his roadwork for this one.