Big Fight Night

[Spudulika]

Waiting for the Haye-Ruiz fight and both disappointed and impressed by the undercard. Great win for former Irish Champion Peter McDonagh over a highly rated French Champion. Quite a shock and he could be in line for another title shot (British or European).

Now watching a Commonwealth fight between a Brit-based Nigerian and an over the hill former Brit Champ. Shocked by how poor the prospect is, looks like he's being built for a fall.

[osarusan]

Haye jabbed his way to victory against a game opponent. The sad thing is that despite Haye being no more than a glorified cruiserweight the lack of opponents means he could be a champion for a few years yet.

[Razors left peg]

Haye might be a glorified cruiserweight but there is no denying he does have a punch.

[Aberdonian Stu]

I seem to have seen this fight different to everyone else. To me this was where he proved that despite being a natural cruiserweight he had the punch to fight at this level. Looks like he'll get Hopkins next, or someone similar, rather than a Klitschko.

[osarusan]

I seem to have seen this fight different to everyone else. To me this was where he proved that despite being a natural cruiserweight he had the punch to fight at this level. Looks like he'll get Hopkins next, or someone similar, rather than a Klitschko.

I have to disagree with the opinion that Haye has a heavyweight punch. Considering how often he connected with Ruiz last night, I think the fact that it went beyond 6 rounds suggests he isn't the heaviest puncher.

I'd say it will be his speed, not his power, that will keep him champion for a while.

[Aberdonian Stu]

Well look at Ruiz' record for knockouts, he's only suffered one other stoppage in his career and that was 14 years ago at the hands of an extraordinary barrage from David Tua. Ruiz is known as durable and I expected it to go to points. He scored some good knockdowns and was always in control bar a briefly flurry in the middle of the second round.

He's no Lewis (who turned the jab into a concussive weapon) and doesn't match the Klitschkos for power but outside of that he has the punching power to compare with any other contender in the division. His speed is his greatest asset, there's no doubt of that, but he's a fast fighter with a punch and that's quite a combination.

[Spudulika]

I'll put it this way, David Haye is the perfect exponent of the noble art. He can hit, move and not get hit. His speed of punch, movement and thought make him a dangerous opponent and like Ali it's his speed of punch that does damage. He doesn't have to knock everyone out but he does hurt people. If you're hit often enough by a man his weight you're going to get hurt. Ruiz is as tough as they come and has met the best heavies in the past 10-15 years. Haye can beat both Klitschko's and be the unified champion so long as he keeps in brain and attitude in check.

[Aberdonian Stu]

I think you've got it accurate there Spudulka although I'd stress that can and should are two very different words. As it stands I think he could do with another bit of mileage being picked up by the brothers, remember Wladimir is 34 and Vitali turns 39 this year so some extra miles on the clock for them will help improve the odds for the 29 year old Haye.

[Spudulika]

Agreed Aberdonian Stu, if Haye boxes well and keeps on the move he can beat anyone. Valuev is only 32 but he looks like he's going to retire (he said as much yesterday when he signed up with the United Russia party) and go into politics!!! Haye can be a really top fighter, I just hope he can keep his head together.

[shakermaker1982]

did anybody see Audrey (as Herbie Hide used to call him) against Sprott the other night?

[Aberdonian Stu]

I missed FrAudley but despite neither fighter being a contender going into the fight, picking up the EBU strap could put Audley in line for a legitimate world title shot, disturbing as that might sound. I couldn't imagine him mixing it up well with either Klitschko or Haye although a fight with the latter could happen given how lucrative it would be in the UK. That said I think Haye can get better money fights.

[Spudulika]

I watched the Audley fight, it was between two good level British fighters who are at their best at European level. Sprott was edging the fight but not doing much damage, Harrison seemed in good shape (mentally and physically) and he was landing the more hurtful punches. And the knockout was the culmination of the damage of heavy shots round by round.

Haye would dance over and outpoint Harrison, as for good old Herbie, I backed him heavily against Riddick Bowe and lost a packet! He was a massive puncher, great mover, but had no chin. If anyone can remember his fight against Conroy Nelson you could see that even against a shot fighter he got tagged with a jab and wobbled, then stopped him.