David Haye vs. Johnny Nelson (cruiserweight)

[JimJim2009]

Nelson has better stamina & strength but his bum would of gone v haye & he'd of been too negative

If "his bum would of gone" means Nelson would have bottled it then this is absolutely spot on

[lillywhite14]

Johnny Nelson by KO, 8th round ish whilst behind in points.

Underrated puncher was Johnny.

it'd be an awkward fight with johnny in his shell.

nelson was defensively brilliant but extremely timid and his unwillingness to take risks versus big punchers should see him beaten by haye, who - let's not forget - got stuck in during some hard fights in the tough cruiserweight division.

[Grilling Machine]

I think Haye wins this one - I just think he's a dynamite puncher at Cruiser and I'm not sure many Cruisers in history could have stood up to the power.

Potentials:

Langford
Dempsey
Tunney
Braddock
Charles
Marciano
(Capable of 200) Bonavena
(Capable of 200) Frazier
Holyfield
Czyz
Toney
Byrd

I'd like to have seen Haye fight Jimmy Ellis.

I don't think Hide's power was greater than Haye's, but Herbie seemed to have a wider power band. Haye's punches seem to peak around two-thirds through their travel. I fancy Hide was naturally stronger and faster than Haye, and had more snap at shorter extensions. Haye's extended punches might be more devastating, but they've a lashing look to them that requires a half-step back to throw.

It's hard to pick a winner between Nelson and Haye. Nelson was a bit old and Haye was a bit green when their paths crossed. I'd go for Haye between 2005 and 2007. In 2003, Nelson.

[polecateddy]

Cagey fight I would imagine. I would think Haye's youth and speed would have overcome Nelson's awkwardness. I see 116-112 to Haye by UD.

[zero]

Haye by KO

[stevedoc]

nelson was great at beating up slower less gifted fighters but like herol graham he would fail at the top level once skill levels were even . i see nelson being tricky but going into his defenceive shell once haye closes the distance .and haye winning 8-4 rds.

[palooka]

Nelson has better stamina & strength but his bum would of gone v haye & he'd of been too negative

If "his bum would of gone" means Nelson would have bottled it then this is absolutely spot on

I don't think that's fair on Nelson; he really came on and gained a lot of confidence after his nerves gave way v DeLeon and Warring; Haye always had loads of confidence as a top amateur turning over with men set up for his development; Nelson had to gain his in a (I think) harder way. The Nelson that beat Thompson (who beat Haye) would have done Haye in.

[keithmoonhangover]

Johnny at his absolute best might have nicked a decision, although I do think Haye had the foot speed and power to trouble him.

One thing is for certain, the fight would be duller than the paint work on a 10 year old car.

[magnus]

Believe it or not, I'm sure there was a period in his career (between the WBF heavyweight days and up to and including the Thompson fight) when I used to enjoy watching Nelson.