Roach: Haye will beat Wlad if he uses his power early

[johnswan1]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/others ... early.html

By Gareth A Davies, Boxing Correspondent

Roach, speaking exclusively to The Daily Telegraph, believes Klitschko has weaknesses against smaller, aggressive fighters who can put the giant Ukrainian, unbeaten in 13 successive heavyweight fights over five years, under physical and mental duress.

"The key to this fight for Haye is to take Wladimir’s confidence away, and do it early," he said. "Take him out of his comfort zone.

"I think Haye has a great opportunity if he goes out there early and uses his power, and tries to take Wladimir’s confidence away. That’s the best way for him to fight this, but Haye needs to take that window of opportunity.

“Being forced anywhere outside Wladimir’s comfort zone is his greatest weakness. He does lack confidence as a fighter and we discussed it when I trained him."

Roach worked in training camps, and in the corner over four fights, as Klitschko’s assistant trainer. And in spite of the 6ft 7ins tall Ukrainian, who currently holds the IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles, having defended the world title 10 times in succession, Roach believes Haye’s "speed and explosiveness", not to mention his killer instinct when he has an opponent in trouble, are major plusses in his armoury against the bigger man.

"I don’t see David Haye as the underdog in this fight. I trained Wlad Klitschko, he is a friend, and so is David Haye a friend of mine. It’s one of the best fights out there, and a good fight for the heavyweight division," said Roach.

"Listen, Klitschko’s a very good boxer. Once he gets into a rhythm, and gets that jab going, he’s very difficult to beat because he has good power and a size advantage. He’s also one of the best heavyweight athletes I’ve ever seen. I said to him one day - “You’re a great athlete”. But you know what he said to me? "I wish I could fight". The key to beating someone like that is to take their mental confidence away straight away. Haye can do that with his power, but not by boxing Wlad."

Roach believes a Haye victory could ignite interest in the heavyweight division. "I like guys who like to fight. Haye believes in himself, he talks a bit of bull, but he's just trying to ignite interest in the fight. He's young, exciting, and charismatic.

"Haye's the best thing for the heavyweight division right now, because he comes to fight, he comes to win, and he's a puncher.

"That's what heavyweight boxing should be all about. The Klitschko brothers are great boxers but they are boring. They don't take risks. You've got to go for it in this sport, and give 100 per cent.

"Manny Pacquiao is popular because he comes to exchange with you, he wants to fight. Once in a while he gets hit, but that is part of the game. Haye is the spark the heavyweight division needs right now."

[doctorboxing]

What does Freddie Roach know about boxing anyway?

I doubt very much Haye will go for power early, he will fight cautious for the first few rounds. Although it could be very exciting if he did come out all guns blazing.

[Deserter]

I doubt very much Haye will go for power early, he will fight cautious for the first few rounds. Although it could be very exciting if he did come out all guns blazing.

Normally I'd agree with you, but I think pretty much everyone, including Haye and Adam Booth, know that what Roach is saying is right. In contrast to the Valuev fight, he's going to have to throw caution to the wind.

[Jon Saxon]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

[Jon Saxon]

In fact their boxing style offends me.
Its right up there with that German bore Sven Ottke.

[Final round]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

I completely agree Saxon , they use all their advantages whilst taking no real chances to inject excitement.

[Monte Fisto]

For my money Roach is correct. My money is on haye within the first 5 rounds. If it goes beyond this i worry for him.

[Karl Jade]

I'd love to know how people think Haye will stop Wlad. He landed 25 punches flush on Audley Harrison before he went down. He's not going to get the same chance against Wlad.

[gthatch]

Yeh he may have landed 25 punches flush on Harrison... the point is he landed them so fast and from such different angles Harrison didn't have time to hit the deck!

One from the left, sway to the right - bang one from the right puts him level again.

Bada boom bada bing.

[Datsue]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

I'm with Final & Jon.

Watching someone win because they're so much bigger than their opponent -- especially when the consensus better one of the pair can't even punch properly, & the one who can clings on like an overly affectionate rent-boy to the last John of the evening -- is not my idea of an edifying spectacle, ta.

If they were six-two & sixteen stone they wouldn't win shite. As it is, Macho can keep these modern day Jess Willards whilst I watch tiny Mexicans & Japanese people beat each other half to death, ta.

EDIT: Honest question though Macho: d'you just like watching them 'cos they're fit? I know you're big on the ol' physical fitness thing, & that's the only positive I can possibly imagine one enjoying (apart from if you're German, natch, in which case anything more interesting than filling out a form in triplicate will probably generate vast prime time ratings) from the Bros Klit.

[doctorboxing]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

I'm with Final & Jon.

Watching someone win because they're so much bigger than their opponent -- especially when the consensus better one of the pair can't even punch properly, & the one who can clings on like an overly affectionate rent-boy to the last John of the evening -- is not my idea of an edifying spectacle, ta.

If they were six-two & sixteen stone they wouldn't win shite. As it is, Macho can keep these modern day Jess Willards whilst I watch tiny Mexicans & Japanese people beat each other half to death, ta.

EDIT: Honest question though Macho: d'you just like watching them 'cos they're fit? I know you're big on the ol' physical fitness thing, & that's the only positive I can possibly imagine one enjoying (apart from if you're German, natch, in which case anything more interesting than filling out a form in triplicate will probably generate vast prime time ratings) from the Bros Klit.

I often find Wlad extremely boring to watch but Vitali can be a far more exciting fighter. They shouldn't be lumped together as a package just because they are brothers.

[ALI]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

If they were six-two & sixteen stone they wouldn't win shite.

Thats it in a nutshell.

They are where they are because of their physical advantages over their oponents. They are nothing special at all, average boxers at best, and yes, extremely boring to watch!

Mayweather is the best example of a boxer with a relatively boaring style, but is compelling to watch because of the talent on display. The Klitschko's have far more boring style's than Mayweather, and the less said about their 'true' talent the better! They get a lot of credit for being fit athlete's, but that's the way all sportsmen should be (no exclusions for heavyweight boxers) so they get no pluses from me for 'being in shape'.

[Happy Slapper]

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

If they were six-two & sixteen stone they wouldn't win shite.

Thats it in a nutshell.

They are where they are because of their physical advantages over their oponents. They are nothing special at all, average boxers at best, and yes, extremely boring to watch!

Mayweather is the best example of a boxer with a relatively boaring style, but is compelling to watch because of the talent on display. The Klitschko's have far more boring style's than Mayweather, and the less said about their 'true' talent the better! They get a lot of credit for being fit athlete's, but that's the way all sportsmen should be (no exclusions for heavyweight boxers) so they get no pluses from me for 'being in shape'.

I think its a bit harsh to say they are nothing special. They clearly have talent to have ruled for as long as they have. If it's purely about physical advantages, why isn't Valuev dominating the heavyweight division?

[SAPFO]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

I also enjoy their fights. Nothing like watching a man legally having the shite punched out of him. I always anticipate the opponent 'doing something', but it never happens !

[Superheavy]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

I also enjoy their fights. Nothing like watching a man legally having the shite punched out of him. I always anticipate the opponent 'doing something', but it never happens !

Very funny. Totally agree.

[Datsue]

I think its a bit harsh to say they are nothing special. They clearly have talent to have ruled for as long as they have. If it's purely about physical advantages, why isn't Valuev dominating the heavyweight division?

I too wouldn't go as far in my antipathy as brother ALI (& I do acknowledge that they're special. Boring as fornicate, but special), but I would answer the question you just posed by saying that they're light years ahead of Valuev athletically & leagues above him technically. Though the latter ain't saying much, 'cos my arse is leagues above Nikolai, technically.

Also, here's the salient point: they know how to maximise their physical advantages. Valuev has no fornicating clue how to do this. Whilst they should be applauded for this, I certainly don't want to fuckin' watch it.

After all, Celestino Caballero is very good at applying his physical advantages, but I don't see legions of people lauding him for it.

[Crazyboy]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

I completely agree Saxon , they use all their advantages whilst taking no real chances to inject excitement.

Sorry guys but i disagree, for example have you ever watched Audley Harrison??

How can you say they are 110% the most boring thing in boxing??????????? How much boxing have you watched???

[Ramon3MR]

I still think Wladimir will tattoo Haye from the outside with one-twos and keep Haye tentatively at bay.

[Karl Jade]

Vitali post-injury is incredibly boring to watch. No speed and most of his power gone.

[Finn]

They are 110% the most boring thing ever to watch in boxing

I completely agree Saxon , they use all their advantages whilst taking no real chances to inject excitement.

Sorry guys but i disagree, for example have you ever watched Audley Harrison??

How can you say they are 110% the most boring thing in boxing??????????? How much boxing have you watched???

audley harrison is far more exciting than wlad.

[Bomber 1]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

Very good point! If they were American they would be mega stars like we've never seen! Tyson-esq!! I rate the Klitschko's highly! David has a chance but I see the fight 60/40 against David! I hope he wins though! I'll be shouting for him (at the Telly )

[Dan Dares]

I'm sick of hearing that the "Klitschkos are boring". They are not boring, they fight to their strengths and I find them compelling to watch. If they were American, they would be Gods.

I also enjoy their fights. Nothing like watching a man legally having the shite punched out of him. I always anticipate the opponent 'doing something', but it never happens !

Very funny. Totally agree.