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| Haye has shown himself to be a wily negotiator. The risk/reward calculus would seem to nudge him to a fight with Hopkins, don't you agree TSS U? |
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Don't Be Surprised If Haye Looks To Hopkins Not Ruiz For First Title Defense
By Frank Lotierzo
Now that Roy Jones has in all probability been removed as a potential opponent for Bernard Hopkins 50-5-1 (32), the name that's been floated out as Hopkins next opponent lately is newly crowned WBA heavyweight title holder David Haye 23-1 (21).
In his last fight Haye the former WBA/WBC/WBO cruiserweight champ won a lackluster 12-round majority decision over WBA heavyweight champ Nikolay Valuev. Prior to the fight the top ranked contender for Value's title was former champ John Ruiz. Ruiz was paid step aside money to clear the path for Haye to fight Valuev with him remaining the mandatory challenger for the winner. Since the fight there's been a lot of talk suggesting that Haye will probably make his first title defense against Ruiz sometime in 2010.
John Ruiz is a fighter that some fight fans would like to see go away, but the guy is a real grinder and him beating Haye shouldn't be thought of as an upset by anybody. Ruiz is a very dangerous fight for Haye and in all honesty David wasn't anything close to impressive against Valuev. Ruiz fought a better Valuev in 2005 and 2008 and lost two disputed decisions to him. Haye being a little smaller and quicker than Ruiz enabled him to stay away from the ponderous Valuev. Whereas Ruiz was forced to muscle and fight Valuev more and therefore had a tougher time winning rounds convincingly against him.
During his 17 year career the 37 year old Ruiz has fought almost every top heavyweight who's come along during that time. He was only embarrassed in one fight against David Tua and that was more than 13 years ago. Since Tua, only Roy Jones and James Toney have outclassed Ruiz, but that was in part due to their quickness and fighting style. Ruiz is vulnerable to quick handed movers/boxers and also to fighters who can really punch like Tua. David Haye is neither.
Ruiz is much stronger physically and tougher than he gets credit for being. He's the type of fighter who can probably get to Haye psychologically during the fight. And if Haye were to nail him with his Sunday right hand and Ruiz didn't go anywhere, it's not a reach to think Haye could easily come undone and Ruiz would feed off of that as he proceeded to maul as the fight progressed.
With the sudden emergence of Bernard Hopkins being injected into the mix as a possible opponent for Haye, it might not be a bad idea for Haye to find a way out of fighting Ruiz so he can fight Hopkins for more money. Haye would be a solid favorite over Hopkins and Ruiz will be aging on the sideline during the interim. And if Haye has shown us anything over the last six months it's that he's a smart guy and understands the business of boxing.
Remember, he talked himself into a fight with both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko before pulling out and finagling himself into a title fight against the fighter he had the best chance to beat who held a major title. If Haye were to fight Ruiz and lose he'd be at the back of a long line of contenders in line to fight either one of the Klitschko's. However, a fight with Hopkins would captivate the public's interest and the risk of losing is significantly less. Being so much bigger and younger than Hopkins would be a great neutralizer for the experience he lacks. And stylistically, Hopkins doesn't throw a lot of punches and Bernard would look to get Haye to beat himself more so than he'd try to go out and take the fight to him; which is a big plus for Haye.
If I were Haye, I'd try to find away out of fighting Ruiz next and would push to fight Bernard Hopkins instead. If Haye beats Hopkins he'll enhance his name recognition and remain in line to fight Ruiz or one of the Klitschko's in a subsequent fight. And there's a good chance he could be stopped by Ruiz in a loss compared to losing by decision to Hopkins if he were to lose to him.
David Haye fully grasp that he's not a fighter who's going to build a hall-of-Fame legacy fighting as a heavyweight circa 2010 and beyond. So his best move would be to try and extend his tenure as WBA heavyweight champ into as many significant pay days as he can - and that starts with fighting Bernard Hopkins. And if he beat Hopkins he'd make a lot more fighting either Klitschko in his next fight opposed to him coming off a victory over Ruiz, which is certainly not a given.
Frank Lotierzo can be contacted at GlovedFist@Gmail.com
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Alokwe:
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Hops is full of it. There's no way he'd fight a heavy, none.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 08:11:03 AM
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Gerard:
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Frank you and the most US writers have, I feel, never given Haye his due. I have been watching his career and hold great hopes for him. Haye has a history of taking the big and dangerous fights. He has not shirked any challenger and dispatched most with ease. His hand speed is a lot quicker than he showed against Valuev and his power was enough that he had the man mountain very badly rocked in the last round. He has the tools to beat Ruiz. Although I do think Ruiz is a dangerous opponent and could stifle Haye enough to win. He has title fight experience at the weight and is a clever if unappealing fighter. I think you underestimate Haye's hunger to carve his name into History. I believe he appreciates the unique chance he has to been seen as a 'Saviour' in the division. To give us an undisputed champ who is athletic, fast, and KO hungry would be a huge achievement. Haye will chase this dream. He will fight Ruiz and will make a bee line for the Klitschkos and negotiate from a position of strength. He wants the fight but he will not sell his wares cheaply. After Haye - Ruiz I would watch for Haye v Vitali (an always aging and slowing Vitali). Hopkins is picking Haye as he is closest to him size wise but this is a big mistake - haye is a student of the game and the Valuev fight showed David will adapt his style to get the victory. Although if he wants a belt there is no way Bernard goes for Wlad/Vitali.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 08:42:24 AM
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J Smutts:
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I don't like how they are trying to make this fight look soooo easy for Haye. If Ruiz can make Haye "come undone" as F - Lo put it, what the hell does he think that Hopkins will do. Hopkins can box circles around this guy and the great nutralizer to Haye's power is actually getting a clean shot in on Hopkins. The last time B-Hop got hit clean was when the doctor slapped him in the O.R and B-Hop demanded a rematch for his 1st birthday! I can actually see Hopkins frustrating Haye into a loss and B-Hop retiring as Heavyweight Champion Of The World!
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 09:05:21 AM
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Alokwe:
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"I can actually see Hopkins frustrating Haye into a loss and B-Hop retiring as Heavyweight Champion Of The World!" ..I can't see Hops retiring ever!
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 09:35:23 AM
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J Smutts @ Alokwe:
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I see hopkins retiring, but in his eyes the RJJ fight is out and that one can't be avenged, but J. Calzaghe is considering a rematch! If Hopkins avenges or even puts up a good fight, I can see him with nothing else to prove because he is really reaching for a reason to stay around now by putting Haye's name out there!
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 09:39:39 AM
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steadadelica:
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please. is this serious journalism, or brit bating? haye-hopkins would be a terrible fight with both fighters standing to loose a lot more than they would gain. would hopkins come to party? - no, his defence is tighter than a nun's chuff and is practically inactive in the ring at light heavy. haye would try to land the big'un, hopkins would be hopkins, i would be bored.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 09:52:37 AM
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Isaiah:
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@JSmutts. LOL Rematch at 1. great stuff.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 11:49:03 AM
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Jimbo:
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"lackluster"? Seriously? Mate, you try fighting a guy over 7 stone heavier and a foot taller than you! Boxing isn't just about standing there letting yourself get punched in the head, it's the noble art of self defence. Considering Valuez barely landed anything on Haye all night, it can only have been a noble performance. Anybody who truly understands boxing knows that speed beats power. Haye has both, so he has the ability to go all the way to the very top.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 12:20:20 PM
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SALT lover:
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Well, it's understandable, I mean obviously B-Hop represents mo' money and less risks. Plus, havin B-Hop in your record's a pretty good thing. Not too many people have that these days. But if he wanna take the Heavyweight seriously, he SHOULD fight John Ruiz, and get accostum in the biggest Division. Still, I don't think that's enough to consider a seriou chance against Vitali Klitschko. Not even Wladimir. Those two would pound this loudmouth, and with ease. Right now, if Kevin Johnson doesn't score that upset, I don't see anybody beatin' the Klitschko bros.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 12:40:50 PM
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Jason:
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Haye-Hopkins is a pipe dream. First of all, Ruiz is the mandatory and has already taken step aside money once, so I doubt it would happen twice. And if Haye bypassed Ruiz and just went straight to Hopkins, without awarding Ruiz a very large bounty, he'd be stripped and this fight would be pointless (Hopkins would accept this ONLY if the WBA strap was at stake). Also, there's no thirst for this fight, so not enough money could be generated for Ruiz to step aside anyway. Even if this fight was made, miraculously, who would want to see it? Hopkins is the most boring and least crowd pleasing fighter in the sport today. When was his last exciting fight? Antwun Echols a decade ago? It's remarkable what Hopkins has done and is doing at his advanced age. He deserves credit. But remember how badly Calzaghe was hurting him with slaps? He was looking to quit in that fight and was truly lucky to get relief from the referee, otherwise he'd have been stopped. Remember the painful expression on his face? If Haye hit him, it would be lights out. And Haye would hit him. Last thing, Hopkins averages a punch output of about 13/round. Is that exciting?? Haye would destroy Hopkins (and I'm not a believer in Haye yet and I didn't think he did enough to beat Valuev in that God awful fight in which he ran all night, but did land a good shot in the 12th, but not good enough to warrant more than a 10-9 round). Hopkins couldn't keep Calzaghe off him. He certainly couldn't keep Haye off him. And he lacks the power and punch output to neutralize Haye at all. This fight will never happen, but if it did (again, a miracle), it's a classic dead-end fight. Hopkins won't defend against Klitschko (obviously). What the heavyweight division needs is a unified champion that takes on all comers, not these niche fights that are truly meaningless.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 01:19:11 PM
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ring:
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I think people forget if Haye's wins against Ruiz, Haye's already signed a contract to fight Valuev. I really doubt sauerland Promotions would let it be any other way.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 02:40:17 PM
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Freemore:
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"Ruiz is vulnerable to quick handed movers/boxers and also to fighters who can really punch like Tua. David Haye is neither." Probably the worst statement i have ever read on this site. Most probably written by a man who knows nothing about Haye or as seen none of his fights prior to him smashing Enzo Mac. Haye is the quickest heavyweight out there.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 03:01:15 PM
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brainbashedbritboy:
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Either fight is a no brainer...Haye will KO whichever of the 2 ya put in front of him!
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 03:17:10 PM
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Alokwe:
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Are u guys that easily fooled? Hopkins WOULD NEVER fight a heavyweight! Don't be silly! He just says these things to keep his name out there and keep the gullible salivating at the prospect, get real!!!..Didn't he also talk of facing Maskaev, what came of that then?
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 03:55:08 PM
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brownsugar:
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Ruiz lost to a middleweight,.. 8 years ago,.. and he's not getting any better,.. just older,. Haye will push him out to pasture,..of this I am certain,... Haye has simply got too much youth,..speed and power,.. and Hopkins don't want none,.. less he ends up in worse situation than Roy.....
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 04:34:11 PM
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aaron:
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Why isn't Denis Boytsov getting shots at the big-name heavy weights? Clearly the best prospect in the heavy weight division, genuine power and talent, and at 23, actually young enough to have a real run as a unified champ, a guy who hasn't peaked yet. Don't expect much from Haye or Keven Johnson not matter what Johnson is able to do against Klitschko. The fact is Johnson and Haye are in their 30's, no matter what they do their best days of physical ability are behind them. A truly great Ali/Tyson type champ has got to have his best years ahead of him (25-30) and Boytsov is the closest thing to that right now.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 07:40:35 PM
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Tex@brownsugar:
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what middleweight?
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 07:41:41 PM
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Porkupine:
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Johnny Louise lost to two(FORMER) middleweights, Tex, and only one proved he could take and dish out a whole lot more Heavyweight punches...that;'s James "Never been KO'd by a light heavyweight or anybody else" Toney.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009 11:18:26 PM
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Isaiah:
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HEY! DUDE FURTHER UP THE PAGE! STOP USING MY NAME! I HATE THAT WHEN SOME FAKE PUNK STEALS SOMEONE'S NAME AROUND HERE! I WAS HERE BEFORE YOU! USE ANOTHER SCREENNAME THAT ISN'T MINE!
Wednesday Dec 9, 2009 01:15:47 AM
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Isaiah:
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@brownsugar. I agree. Ruiz is basically crap. That is what you're implying right? I'm confused though. Are you talking about when Roy Jones beat him or James Toney? The earliest one was in 2003 dude, or am I missing someone in there dude? Hey, You all know Ruiz/Golota was the greatest fight of all time! That's what I'm talking about! Please, no one ask me if I'm being sarcastic. If you can't tell, I pity you. The anwser would be yes.
Wednesday Dec 9, 2009 01:21:27 AM
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Isaiah:
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Man, I'm on a roll! By the way, Hopkins would not be the Heavweight Champion of the World if he beats Haye. Technically, he'd have to be Wladmer Klitschko to do that. Pay attention people! Don't give paper titles undeserved respect! Ring Magazine is where it's at! By the way, that is NOT sarcasm! One final note, Hopkins needs to stay where's he at and whoop Chad Dawson or rematch Joe Calzaghe and whoop him, if he actually could do either is open for debate, but it'd be fun to find out!
Wednesday Dec 9, 2009 01:26:28 AM
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Jason:
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Ruiz lost an alphabet belt to Roy Jones when Roy Jones was still...Roy Jones. And he initially lost a decision to James Toney, although that was later ruled a No Contest due to Toney's steroid use. Isaiah is right. Even if this fight happens -and it won't- and if Hopkins wins -he won't- he would NOT be the heavyweight champion of the world. Like it or not, Wladimir Klitschko is the champion (although I think Vitali is better, hands-down). I am absolutely not a Ruiz fan, but I think he'll beat the completely untested Haye. Beating Monte Barrett and RUNNING from a SLOOOOOOOOOW and plodding and can't connect with a heavy bag Nicolai Valuev has left me unconvinced that he's a legitimate threat at heavyweight. In fact, the best small guy of the heavyweights is Tomasz Adamek, in my opinion. I think Adamek would KO Haye.
Wednesday Dec 9, 2009 05:11:55 PM
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brownsugar:
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anybody who can make Valuev do the chicken dance has my vote to stop Ruiz cold... would Haye ever take a fight he can't win?... he hasn't yet,..if he could have beaten one of the K bros like he says he can,.. even with a multiple rematch clause,..they wouldn't want seconds if he was that dominant,.. but Ruiz is right up his alley,.. he signed with Ruiz faster than shoppers snatch up tv's on Black Friday...at Walmart..
Wednesday Dec 9, 2009 05:55:01 PM
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AdamG:
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Ruiz -Haye would end up resembling Haye-Fragomelli.
Haye gets frustrated while still building up an 8-0 lead before bludgeoning the guy into stopping in the 9th.
Ruiz has had years to show something special and he has just got older, more boring, and added more L's to his record.
Haye unified a division with highlight reel knockouts and moved up to grab a portion in the division above in less fights than it takes most people to even get a shot in one division.
Haye-Hopkins would be two counterpunchers and would stink until Haye went wild and just ran overpowered him in a corner instead of trying to outbox him
Wednesday Dec 9, 2009 09:03:48 PM
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D. Man:
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"Ruiz is vulnerable to quick handed movers/boxers and also to fighters who can really punch like Tua. David Haye is neither..." A man with a 23-1 (21 KOs) record? Not a puncher? Wake up mate! Did you see how quickly delivered those right hand flurries to knockout Enzo Maccrenelli last year? A great deal is placed on Ruiz's experience- yes he has lots. But answer me this Frank name me one fighter whom was independently promoted and was a two weight world champion in just 24 fights AND won his titles on both occassions ABROAD? Name one heavywweight champion in the last 5 years whom fought two heavyweight fights, did not fight for one year and actually won the world title? You yanks need to stop selling David Haye short. Whilst Ruiz is a better fighter than Monte Barrett, Haye does better against tall opponents (Ruiz, Maccarenelli, Gurov) than short, squat ones (Fragomeni, Mormeck) et. al.
Thursday Dec 10, 2009 04:23:14 AM
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You Have To Take The Test To Be Called The Best
"People can say whatever they like about Floyd Mayweather Jr....and they will....but they can never say the man challenges himself to be the best." ---TSS All-Star reader El Feroz weighs in on who he thinks is at blame for the Manny-Money negotiation flameout
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