HayeDay Review - Main Event
- britishboxingblog
- Jan 18, 2016
- 3 min read
The Hayemaker (and heavyweight boxing is back). Following a long and arduous enforced absence from the ring, David Haye made his long awaited comeback in sensational style. Let’s not get this wrong, his performance was stunning albeit against limited opposition. Haye was very much in a no win situation going into the HayeDay main event against Aussie Mark de Mori. If he went the rounds there would be questions and following his early blowout there are still questions and critics aplenty.
One member of the assembled press pack noted he felt Haye looked slow at his all-time heaviest weight. A claim that was dismissed almost as quickly as De Mori was. Prior to the matchup both Haye and his new coach, Shane McGuigan, had spoken about a more patient and considered approach. It sounds silly to say, but this was evident even in the two minutes of action we witnessed on Saturday. The Bermondsey man admitted afterwards to lunging in, and missing, with one particular shot but overall he seemed happy to pick his shots. In my notes, I wrote that De Mori looked to have frozen after being on the end of a couple of particularly stinging digs. As soon as I’d finished the “z” Haye landed his finishing flurry. While I felt his hand speed was as impressive as ever, it was the set-up of the finish that impressed me more. He made his opponent miss, and then pay, in spectacular fashion to announce his comeback in style.
Neither the result nor the manner of it were surprising in the slightest. One element that surprised us at ringside, and Haye himself, was the fantastic reception he got. Haye has always been a popular fighter in British boxing but (especially since “Toegate”) he has definitely divided opinion. Yet, to the reported 16,000 in attendance, he was returning hero. In the post-fight press conference the former undisputed Cruiserweight champion admitted he was surprised by the reaction, however you wouldn’t have guessed it watching his usual swagger to the ring. This was a man who looks as though he belongs in the limelight. It is worth noting that the O2 looked packed for his return, despite a much criticised undercard that suffered from several late withdrawals and being available on free-to-air television.. David Haye knows how to draw a crowd.
Before we get too carried away, and some may think the above means I already have, it is important to realise that this was a good performance in a comeback fight. Questions and critics will remain until he steps back up to world level. Naturally, his future plans and opponents were discussed as a matter of priority. Tyson Fury, Malik Scott, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were all mentioned but Team Haye were clear in their message. They want to regain some form of the world title. The fallout from the previously arranged Haye vs Fury contests clearly lingers. Haye reiterated his rival’s words that Fury won’t give him the opportunity. Newly crowned IBF title holder Charles Martin is an option. Although it is difficult to credit this as a legitimate world title, surrounding the circumstances that led to it becoming vacant. I would strongly fancy Haye in against anyone not named Fury and even that would be a toss-up. Haye has the speed to hurt the taller man but has also shown against Klitschko that a quality, tall heavyweight can pose him problems. Joshua again would be intriguing and one that would capture the public's imagination.
One name that did get put forward was that of recent AJ victim Dillian Whyte. This was a bit left-field for us. While the Jamaican born brawler exceeded many expectations in his knockout defeat, he is a domestic level heavyweight at present (admittedly with a lot of raw potential) and seems levels below the former WBA champ. AJ would make more sense as a potential mega bout but the chances of it happening any time soon are remote. Shane McGuigan said his heavyweight charge is one or two matches away from being ready for Tyson Fury which would indicate at least one more tune up. The problem is that David Haye needs rounds under his belt but there are very few outside the elite that can provide them.
So while the specific direction of his future is unclear, one thing remains certain. Combined with the antics of Fury and Wilder, the Heavyweight division is a much healthier place with a fully fit Hayemaker involved.
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