BoxRec

Improved from having packed on the extra lard? Took the sting out of Haye's early shots by moving away with the punches? Or could Haye just not get any power into his shots with the injury (on the assumption that - as others have said on here - he was clearly carrying something into the fight)?

He was helped massively by Haye loading up on his shots, he could see them coming a mile off.

I didn't see the fight live (FB stream cut out just before first bell) but caught some highlights this morning. I was absolutely stunned that Bellew was able to take those flush shots in the 4th round and come back. Couldn't believe it.

keirw wrote:He was helped massively by Haye loading up on his shots, he could see them coming a mile off.

Yeah, he was sending a telegram announcing them.

The couple of flush ones he took, he took well, despite seeing them coming.

It surprised me. He took the shots better than I thought.

The problem is the validity of Haye's power. How can you trust that he was punching as hard as usual with his leg not fully functional (possibly even in the first 6 rounds).

Still, benefit of the doubt. Happy to give Bellew the credit for taking those. I wouldn't want to see him hang around at heavyweight though.

dookus wrote:Improved from having packed on the extra lard? Took the sting out of Haye's early shots by moving away with the punches? Or could Haye just not get any power into his shots with the injury (on the assumption that - as others have said on here - he was clearly carrying something into the fight)?

I think that Haye may have suffered an ankle injury before the fight. As such he had no base to plant his feet for his more powerful shots.

hayes stance (the space between his front and back foot) is probably wider than any other pro boxer at present, he never used to be this pronounced, is this because of attempted injury protection?