Haye updates... anyone?

[Wales]

Anyone heard anything about the November bout? Last name was Chapman which has seemingly dwindled away... has there been any news on when a further announcment may be madE?

[DavidPayne]

They're trying to convince Chapman getting hit on the chin is worth the money.

Chapman is a sanctioning body pick not a crowd-pleaser.

Unless mandated how is HAYE going to get a step-up from this fight organised?

He may need to pay serious money to land the type of foe he needs after Chapman, and the price will only rise if he flattens Chapman.

[Old bones Ian]

i've heard that Monte Barrett is now being considered, i'd prefer him to Chapman anyway.

[Old bones Ian]

OH and Eddie Chambers, who i'd prefer to Chapman as well.

[Carbo]

If we're honest, one of us would probably be preferable to Chapman.

Rafael picks out Barrett and Chambers today.

The problem is this: Haye needs a very specific type of opponent, and those who tick all the boxes are rightly charging a premium to fill the slot.

It's hard-ball, because they'll be able to earn lots more than they would in the states in tank-towns or on undercards.

Barrett would be very good, and dangerous.

Let's not forget, this will be his first fight with the increased bulk and as a full-time operator at the new weight.

[Lenny]

Monte Barrett would be a great pick, still dangerous and would hopefully come to win. Also can't see how many people could really complain with Chambers as a first defense regardless of whether he is one of the lighter hitters in the rankings.

Just glad the Chapman talk is getting quieter. Probably the only opponent mentioned that would stop me buying a ticket.

[Old bones Ian]

I've no problems with either Chambers or Barrett, both have good qualities about them, Barrett although not the most skilled boxer, always fights with his heart so wouldn't roll over easily.

The main problem Haye has, is the fact he kept stating that it would be a top 10 boxer and it would be a top quality one at that. And now its a problem backing that up.

JD Chapman wouldn't be the worst guy in the world in the opposite corner from Haye, i mean no-one rated Prescott the other week, but look what he did to Khan.

[jameswilson]

I've no problems with either Chambers or Barrett, both have good qualities about them, Barrett although not the most skilled boxer, always fights with his heart so wouldn't roll over easily.

The main problem Haye has, is the fact he kept stating that it would be a top 10 boxer and it would be a top quality one at that. And now its a problem backing that up.

JD Chapman wouldn't be the worst guy in the world in the opposite corner from Haye, i mean no-one rated Prescott the other week, but look what he did to Khan.

Seconded, Barrett has always been one of my preferred choices. A known entity who will give us a good yard stick of where Haye is at. Barrett's one of those guys who beats or does well against the guys who aren't quite good enough, guys like Guinn, Mesi and Fields.

[Eraserhead]

Agreed. Barrett would be perfect. Respected in the US, experienced, been in with everyone, a little soft round the chops but very brave and determined. Style-wise he'd be ideal for someone with Haye's jab and right hand.

[rhino222]

monte is ideal, bit unfair to call him weak around the chops, one thing is for sure, monte would come to win and he has beaten many 'favoured' fighters before... it would be a sharp test for haye, and a respected test too.

[Poncey]

Both are good selections given the talent pool available. I'd prefer Barrett based on his power.

[Max Molyneux]

Barrett's best win Is a shot Tim Wetherspoon he loses whenever he fights a world class opponent and Is done.

[charlieb]

No chance it'll be Barrett ... or chambers.

They've just seen a bunch of their newly signed fighters lose on their first ever card. No way in hell it's gonna be either of those 2.

[Eraserhead]

No chance it'll be Barrett ... or chambers.

They've just seen a bunch of their newly signed fighters lose on their first ever card. No way in hell it's gonna be either of those 2.

A bunch? Erm, Josh Wale lost on a swollen eye. Derry Mathews lost against Martin Lindsay, a fighter Hayemaker signed up months ago. I don't get it.

[Shirow]

It's a shame that Hayemaker couldn't get Golota or Briggs. I see that they're fighting each other in China on 7 November. I suppose they know better than to jump of the King gravy train.

[Old bones Ian]

Its an interesting situation with Hayemaker, would they want options on the opponent in case he beats Haye?

[Bard of Boxrec]

god just fight someone

[charlieb]

No chance it'll be Barrett ... or chambers.

They've just seen a bunch of their newly signed fighters lose on their first ever card. No way in hell it's gonna be either of those 2.

A bunch? Erm, Josh Wale lost on a swollen eye. Derry Mathews lost against Martin Lindsay, a fighter Hayemaker signed up months ago. I don't get it.

As much as I loved how the show turned out, the only fella in there that wasn't expected to win was Matthews. Having 2 out of 7 (could have been 3 with Dodson) of your stable lose in your first show will do nothing to encourage a cocksure approach to matchmaking from Booth when it comes to 'gambling' with Haye's route to Wlad.

I'm sure Haye's up for whoever, but Barret/Chambers/Toney aren't the guys to be working out rust and nerves against. Not to mention the weight he'd be feeling at having to accept a dangerous opponent after running his mouth off. All bad match-ups at Haye's best, but if Haye's having a bad night on one of their good nights, there's a very good chance he'll get beaten.

[caffrey]

how about maskaev former champion who can punch and who haye could look good against

[BAMBI]

what a load of bullshyt!!

just get hasim or maskaev to sign for it.

[Carbo]

Dan Rafael had another pop at Haye in his blog today. He said that the problems have been down to, and I quote, "lowball money offers to opponents and the fact that trainer/manager Adam Booth is utterly petrified for Haye to fight anyone who might actually tap his fragile chin"

That sheds some light on matters, because I suspect Rafael has the inside track on a lot of these dealings.

Perhaps they're offering bugger all in terms of remuneration, and Booth is trying to micro-analyse opponents?

Whaddya all y'all think?

[caffrey]

the yanks have always been critical towards our top fighters hopefully Haye will get an opponent soon and deliver the goods like we all know he can

[Poncey]

Dan Rafael had another pop at Haye in his blog today. He said that the problems have been down to, and I quote, "lowball money offers to opponents and the fact that trainer/manager Adam Booth is utterly petrified for Haye to fight anyone who might actually tap his fragile chin"

That sheds some light on matters, because I suspect Rafael has the inside track on a lot of these dealings.

Perhaps they're offering bugger all in terms of remuneration, and Booth is trying to micro-analyse opponents?

Whaddya all y'all think?

Well, been told JD was offered $140k, which I thought was actually quite good considering.

I also don't trust Rafael at the moment, he seems a bit pissed at Britain after dubbing Khan "the best prospect in the world" last year.

[twenty six]

Charlieb,
What on earth are you talking about ?
Matthews and Lindsay were both house fighters - one had to lose !
Credit to the Promotor for putting them in together.
Only other loss was Wale on a technicality.
Winners - Rhodes, Dodson, Woodhouse, Watson, McGuire, Lindsay.

[charlieb]

Charlieb,
What on earth are you talking about ?
Matthews and Lindsay were both house fighters - one had to lose !
Credit to the Promotor for putting them in together.
Only other loss was Wale on a technicality.
Winners - Rhodes, Dodson, Woodhouse, Watson, McGuire, Lindsay.

Didn't realise that Lindsay was under the banner too. Still, having seen Wale lose and Dodson come close to losing, wont have made Booth more prone to taking a risk with Haye. Fighting Barrett, Chambers or Toney all bring huge risks on top of the expected risk of fighting heavier guys in a new division.

That's all I'm saying, and if I'm wrong, and they choose one of those guys, then I'll be seriously shocked.