Former unified cruiserweight and WBA World heavyweight champion David Haye has had his say on the recently announced Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury about, insisting that he favours the unbeaten American in the bout.
Speaking to FightHype in the immediate aftermath of Fury’s latest outing against Francesco Pianeta on the Frampton-Jackson undercard in Belfast, Haye alluded to his own experiences in working with the WBC champion – referring to Wilder’s “sharpshooter” style as something that could potentially be problematic for Fury.
“I don’t think people understand just how much of a sharpshooter he [Wilder] is.” said Haye.
“I sparred many rounds with him and I had to be switched on as much I was switched on for a fight.”
Ironically, Haye had employed the Alabama-puncher as a sparring partner for his own schedule contest against now-lineal heavyweight champion Fury, and spoke flowingly of Wilder’s power, even when wearing “big gloves and head guards.”
“Normally in sparring, you’re giving it about 80-90%, a shot comes you’re wearing big gloves, head guards but with Wilder you have to be on your game otherwise he can hit you and hurt you.” Haye continued.
“In sparring, sometimes you can go 80-90% as head guards are worn – but with Wilder you have to be on guard 100% otherwise he will seriously hurt you.”
When asked for his prediction on the mouthwatering heavyweight showdown, the Bermondsey man backed his former sparring partner to overcome compatriot Fury – once again citing Wilder’s concussive, one-punch knockout power as the determining factor.
“If I was forced to put a bet down on the current form, then you have to go with Deontay Wilder.” said Haye.
Despite a fractious relationship between the pair following two cancelled bouts, Haye would go on to give the returning ‘Gypsy King’ credit for being willing to step into the ring with ‘The Bronze Bomber’.
With just fourteen rounds of competitive boxing under his belt in two-and-a-half years – against rather modest opposition in Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta – many observers of the sport feel that such a dramatic step-up in opposition could be the 6ft 9″ Mancunian’s downfall.
Haye, however, commended Fury, claiming he deserved “the utmost respect” for being willing to take such a risk.
“Wilder is the most dangerous one-punch hitter on the planet right now. Whatever you think about Tyson Fury, you have to give him the utmost respect and he’s willing to put it on the line.” Haye finished.
With a date and venue still to be announced, the fervour surrounding Wilder and Fury will continue to grow until the two men meet in the ring. In a bout featuring two of the most outspoken and engaging characters in the heavyweight division, it is believed the contest will be both a commercial and financial juggernaut.
According to Haye, however, the smart money will be on the American…