Having only listened to David Hayes fight against Monte Barrett last night, I’m looking forward to watching it later on my bro’s HD recorder. Have any Dopers actually seen the fight, and was Haye as impressive as it sounded in commentary?
I didn’t see it either, needed an early night for a bike ride this morning. I’m a fan of Haye, so I’m pleased - Barrett is a decent gatekeeper for the division. Apparently Haye went down, although most of what I’ve read says that it wasn’t a clear knockdown, more of a slip / push.
A guy like Haye will be gold dust for the division, and more importantly IMO for the profile of boxing over here. He’s got great skills and looks in great shape (although he had a real stamina problem at crusier). I can’t actually see him beating the real battleships of the division, I think his chin can only take him so far there. But he’ll do well, maybe capture a belt.
Having now seen the fight, all I can say is that Haye comfortably did what needed to be done , against a fairly static opponent. I think he’ll need another fight or two before facing either of the Klitschko’s.