Size doesn’t matter: Haye beats Russian Giant to claim WBA title
Published: 08 November, 2009, 02:59
Edited: 22 September, 2010, 12:13
GERMANY, Nürnberg : Russian WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev (R) vies with British challenger David Haye during their WBA heavyweight boxing world champion match in the southern German city of Nuremberg on November 7, 2009. (AFP Photo DDP / Timm Schamberger Germany out)
TAGS: Sport, Boxing, Valuev, Klitschko
Battlesome Brit David Haye has proven he can back up his words with his deeds as he beat ‘The Russian Giant’, Nikolay Valuev, on points to become the WBA world champion.
Being some 44 kilos lighter and 22 centimetres smaller than his opponent who, above all, had never been knocked out (51 win, 1 loss on points), Haye’s only hope was his speed and a well-thought plan, which the Brit executed to perfection on Saturday night in Nuremberg, Germany.
The Londoner spent the whole fight on the move, and this seemed to have completely frustrated Valuev. Aside from taking a shot that forced him back for a moment in round five, Haye was never caught by the Russian.
The best punches came from Haye, who moved even better than Ruslan Chagaev in his historic fight against Valuev in 2007. In reality, Haye's power rarely troubled Valuev, but he was getting through the better work, and it proved crucial.
The culmination of Haye’s dominance in the ring was the final round, which saw the Brit catch Valuev with a clubbing right that sent the Russian staggering.
So Haye finished the fight with a style which couldn’t but impress the judges. Only one of the judges scored it even at 114-114, while two others scored for Haye 116-112 to hand him the heavyweight crown and the first for a Briton since Lennox Lewis retired six years ago.
Haye revealed after the fight that his tactics altered in round two after he damaged his hand, which forced him onto the defensive, but it did not matter as he claimed the crown.
Now his dream of facing the Klitschko brothers is close to coming true as the Brit eyes to grab all major heavyweight belts.
06.11.2009, 16:07
“Insults will help defeat Valuev” – HayeBritish heavyweight David Haye believes the constant insults he has thrown in the face of his rival – WBA champ Nikolay Valuev – will play an important role in his success in Saturday’s bout. |
09.11.2009, 15:48
Valuev pledges to returnFormer WBA heavyweight champion of the world, Nikolay Valuev, says he is not planning to leave the sport despite his recent loss to David Haye. |
excellent strategie by haye, sticking to the game plan won him the fight good discipline ,fitness and quality punches ,david haye has shown he is thinking fighter as well as a good technician.well be see.ing better yet from im sure.