411 Staff Predictions: Haye vs Valuev
Posted by David M. Lee on 11.06.2009
How does the staff see this weekend's big heavyweight title fight going down?
This Saturday we have ourselves a rare event - a heavyweight title fight that actually interests people. I'm talking, of course, about the WBA heavyweight title fight between Nikolai Valuev (50-1, 34 KOs) and David Haye (22-1, 22 KOs). Ok, admittedly much of the interest is down to the unbelievable size differential, but nonetheless this is an intriguing match-up and one where pretty much anything can happen. Will Haye be simply too fast and skillfull for the slow, ponderous Valuev? Or will the gigantic Russian blow away a man he outweighs by nearly 100 pounds? Well I could give you my opinion but bear in mind I'm the same guy who predicted that Ricky Hatton would beat Manny Pacquiao! So instead I've brought together a stellar line-up to give you their take on how the big fight will pan out.
Ramon Aranda (411 Boxing editor)
Joe Roche (Author of "The Way I See It")
Micheal Payne (Author of "Here Comes The Payne")
Matt Knowles (Our 411 Prizefight Preview guy)
FJ Parlan (Author of "The FJ Fury")
and last, but certainly not least, our resident boxing encyclopaedia Ali Shakoor (Author of "Fight Lover's Forum").
Now with the introductions out of the way, let's get to the predictions:
Ramon: HAYE - Given Valuev's problems against foes like John Ruiz and Evander Holyfield, I don't think he'll have enough in him to outlast someone as fiery as David Haye, who in my opinion is much better than either of those two at this moment. Haye is all action and will no doubt bring it to Valuev and unless Nikolai lands a big shot that breaks Haye's 'iffy' chin, I see Haye easily winning this one on points.
Joe: VALUEV - I think Haye has quicker hands, is more entertaining, is a better all around boxer and would be an asset to the heavyweight championship if he were to grab hold of the most storied of all the alphabet titles. With all of that being said I don't think he has the power to KO Valuev, and without knocking out the "Russian Giant" I have see no evidence to think that Valuev will not win a decision. It's been said a million times before but even a KO over Valuev in Germany would probably result in a draw. I am rooting for Haye (see my The Way I See It column for further proof) as I think Haye as World Champion would be a great thing for the division - but it's tough to get past the fact that Valuev has lost at least three times in the last couple of years and held onto that belt so it'll take a world beating effort (or at least a German judge beating effort) out of Haye to pry the championship out of the giant's hands.
Michael: HAYE - Late stoppage. I think if he sticks to the right game plan then over time his superior boxing ability, speed and yes power will be enough to overcome the brute force and size of Valuev. Not sure he can KO him but he will stop him rounds 8 - 12.
Matt: HAYE – I usually try to come up with a dozen logical reasons for my predictions, but on this occasion I'm going more with my pure gut instinct. I just think that Haye is a very good athlete that brings a high-level of energy and savvy into the ring, while Valuev is a lumbering mammoth with little boxing ability. I can't see Valuev connecting with any significant punches against Haye, considering that he could barely scrape a nearly-50-year old version of Evander Holyfield. I'll take The HayeMaker by a dominant (yet controversially close) decision win.
FJ: HAYE - But it's closer to me than the odds indicate. The barometer here would obviously be Holyfield's performance against Valuev. He was 46 and somehow he was able to convinced some that he won over the laborious, slumbering giant. Haye should knock him out, he's very young, powerful, and most importantly, aggressive. But if Valuev's size offsets him in any way that Haye can't knock him out, then Valuev will take the decision in Germany, deserved or not.
Ali: VALUEV (4th round KO) - Yes I think he's one of the worst heavyweight of all-time, but this shows how much I think about Haye as a heavyweight. Haye has won of the worst chins I've ever seen. If Barrett can rattle him real bad, Valuev will knock him out inside of 5 rounds. BUT, if Haye studies Morrison v. Foreman, and just hits and runs all night he can win a decision.
Final Tally: Haye 4 - Valuev 2
So there you have it guys, our staff have come to a majority decision and predict that Britain will have a new heavyweight champion on Saturday night. Whatever the result, let's just hope we get a fun fight and not another heavyweight snoozefest.
