David Haye Vs Audley Harrison, 13th November

joker77

Right, might as well start an official thread for this.

After all David's talk, he's wound up fighting Audley Harrison. Here's what Adam Booth had to say about a possible match up with Harrison on Sky Sports News, in April

Audleys not on our radar, I mean he's never boxed anyone ranked in the Top 20. In David's last 16 fights he's fought 11 guys ranked in the Top 15, but Audleys never fought a world ranked figher so as far as David's legacy is concerned and being the best fighter he can be, and getting the respect from the crowd and his boxing peers, I don't think fighting Audley gets him that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuj6iyUMtfc

You're damn right it doesn't get him that...

BoxingIrel.com

forgive me if I fail to get excited about this one or even bother to make the 3 mile journey in to see it either.

(I'll probably by in to the hype in the week leading up to the fight)

corny

I'd laugh at the irony if Harrison actually knocked him out. Probably won't happen and i can't it see it going the distance either but here's hoping.

pbffan

Pics from Audley's camp







The Olympic Hero to fulfill his destiny on November 13:pac:

It's an absolute joke of a fight, a complete mismatch, but personally I cant' say I blame Haye for taking it. For whatever reason a fight with K2 fell through, so he was stuck for an opponent. He could have fought a Chagaev or an Adamek, but we all know those fights wouldn't sell to the general public. While Audley may be a source of amusement among fans, he's an Olympic Champion and most importantly, he's British. Sky will clean up with this PVV, it's going to be billed as THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, it'll be bigger than Lewis vs Bruno, and Eubank vs Benn. Haye is going to make far more money fighting Audley than he would with any other guy bar the Klit's, and the fight poses practically no risk - you'd want to be stupid to turn it down.

Anyway, prediction - Haye knocks him out inside three, looking like a million bucks from the first bell. After the fight he calls out K2 for like the 500th time, and we hear the old "I'm going to unify the belts and retire on top like Lennox Lewis" speech. Que months of "Will it/Won't it happen" speculation and hype

Larsist

This fight is exactly what is wrong with the heavy weight division. The Klits aren't box office and have no interest in fighting outside Germany. Boxers generally have a short shelf life so I don't blame Haye or Harrison for taking the fight. They have to make money when they can.

As far as the fight goes I will be very surprised if Audley survives the first round.

megadodge

Larsist wrote: »

This fight is exactly what is wrong with the heavy weight division. The Klits aren't box office and have no interest in fighting outside Germany. Boxers generally have a short shelf life so I don't blame Haye or Harrison for taking the fight. They have to make money when they can.

As far as the fight goes I will be very surprised if Audley survives the first round.

1. Vladimir Klitchko has fought outside Germany 14 times. Vitali has fought outside Germany 10 times.

2. They are MASSIVE box office in Germany and eastern Europe.

3. Why is that tired old excuse not used on Americans, virtually none of whom ever fight outside their home country? Blatant double standards.

4. While Harrison does not deserve a shot and you'd have to fancy Haye, I honestly believe Audley has a decent chance. Haye's chin is not the best and Harrison has decent skills. If he lands even half-flush Haye could be in serious trouble.

5. Anyone else think the fella to the right of Audley in the bottom picture above looks just like a smaller, younger Lennox Lewis?

El Guapo!

megadodge wrote: »

5. Anyone else think the fella to the right of Audley in the bottom picture above looks just like a smaller, younger Lennox Lewis?

Yeah I had to do a double-take on that too! Its practically his twin!



Personally I think the fight is a joke and Audley doesnt deserve the fight.....but I'll still stick €20 on him for the knockout anyway!

nacho libre

Haye's trash talk at first was amusing, but now it's getting lame when he hasn't backed it up by taking on the best.

I would love it if Audley Harrison beat him, but it's never going to happen. Sure he has a punchers chance, but Haye is a faster, sharper fighter, whose movement Harrison simply won't be able to cope with. This one will be over within 1 round. Audley's going to have his dream shattered come November 13th.

joker77

I've heard a few interviews with Audley, and his side is that there's a genuine dislike there - he feels a bit betrayed - after mentoring Haye on the promotion side of things, when he was coming back from a loss Haye wouldn't put him on one of his cards. Probably all just part of the game to sell tickets though, the usual sh*te, come fight night it'll be easy enough to see whether the grudge was real or not.

Agree with the general sentiment, easy enough payday for Haye.

Himself and Booth should shut up about legacy now though, at least admit it's just all about the money.

Warper

Absolute joke of a fight yet I'll still watch it. God I love/hate boxing sometimes.

colly10

megadodge wrote: »

5. Anyone else think the fella to the right of Audley in the bottom picture above looks just like a smaller, younger Lennox Lewis?

Very, the likeness is a bit mad actually

pbffan

So how many PPV buys do you guys see this doing?

A 39 year old journeyman who has never boxed anyone of note, against a guy viewed by many as a "Paper Champion"

But of course thats not how Sky are billing it, lol

"THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN", will see two two former best friends turned enemies, scrap it out in a fight for the ages, with the richest prize in the game on offer - The World Heavyweight Championship. The Giant Killer David Haye will defend his title against Olympic Gold Medalist, Audley A-Force Harrison. Harrison is looking to fulfill his destiny on Nov 13 by finally winning the big one, but the Hayemaker has no intention of giving up his belt, especially not to his former mentor.

Tbh, as bad as it sounds, I can see this doing over 750k easily. Back when nobody had heard of Haye, he managed to get something around that figure with Valuev, another guy nobody had heard of.
He's a household name now though, and he's fighting another guy everybody knows, an Olympic Hero no less:pac:

Benny Lava

There aren't many fighters that I want to see get knocked out, however Haye has become one by taking this fight. Back when he fought Valuev, I was hoping he would win because I thought he was the exciting fighter that the heavyweight division needed. I expected him to take the unification fight with either Klitschko seeing as he used to always rave about how he wanted to fight him. Then he had to fight Ruiz as his mandatory which he admitted wasn't the fight he wanted, but I excused him because I thought he was getting it out of the way so he could get the unification fight towards the end of the year. There would be some chance of forgiveness if he had taken on a decent challenge as part of the Klitschko duck, however he deserves no respect whatsoever for taking a fight with a man tipping on 40 with no reputable wins under his belt. This fight is an absolute farce, an exploitation of the fans and a representation of the sorry state of affairs of the "sweet science" that exists today. I'm hoping someday soon Haye gets knocked the feck out but I really don't think Harrison is the man to do that.

real stig

I know everyone is complaining about Haye taking the Harrison option but its hard to blame him when you see what Vitali did to Shannon Briggs. He knows his best shot at unification is when Vitali in particular is past it so he might as well make some money while he waits for that to happen.. five years should do it

Draupnir

Not the greatest fight ever by any means, but it's unfair to say Haye is dodging either of the brothers, he just refuses to sign into their ridiculous fight contracts.

Have you seen what Chisora had to agree to in order to get the Wladimir fight? I mean, a guy with a punchers chance if even had to agree an immediate rematch with Vitali if he wins and then another fight with Wladimir if he wins that.

Why would any credible boxer agree to have their next two fights after becoming a genuine Heavyweight Champion boxed off like that for them?

joker77

Draupnir wrote: »

Not the greatest fight ever by any means, but it's unfair to say Haye is dodging either of the brothers, he just refuses to sign into their ridiculous fight contracts.

Have you seen what Chisora had to agree to in order to get the Wladimir fight? I mean, a guy with a punchers chance if even had to agree an immediate rematch with Vitali if he wins and then another fight with Wladimir if he wins that.

Why would any credible boxer agree to have their next two fights after becoming a genuine Heavyweight Champion boxed off like that for them?

Can you give specifics on what Haye would have had to have signed up to?

From what I've read/heard - he was given reasonable chances and reasonable contracts. Sure he even signed a couple before his 'injuries'.

Draupnir

There are numerous reports on the types of contracts the Klitschkos like to put in place for their fights, their last few opponents have agreed to them. Basically guaranteeing rematches against both of the brothers before you can fight anyone else.

I've already detailed Chisoras contract, which was discussed on the BBC by Ben Dirs. Briggs was also boxed into a two rematch contract.

Haye has just refused to agree to these multiple opponent, multiple rematch agreements.

No doubt there is probably some apprehension on his part at fighting the top men in the division so early but at the same time, I don't think the ability difference is so huge that Haye would be running scared based on not wanting to lose.

joker77

I hear what you're saying - but every champion usually inserts a rematch clause, especially if they are the big draw. (Sometimes the challenger would be a bigger draw, not so in this case though).

If the fight was in Germany, they would be the draw, if in England it would be split.

But Haye has had what - 3 fights as heavyweight? And Vlad's been champion for 6 years? Of course he's going to get as much as he can. Haye thinking he can get more from the fight than them is just being ridiculous.

And I'm still waiting for your numerous reports - I'd like to see exactly what Haye was offered and what he turned down.

Draupnir

I guess the way Haye sees it, and I would tend to agree, he is about the most appealing boxer to watch in the top echelon of the Heavyweight division right now because of his fighting style and the potential for explosive knockouts.

The Klitschkos on the other hand have dominated the division and of course deserve rematch clauses, but excessive rematch deals to fight guys twice more and even fight their brother aswell are outrageous and is what is making Haye walk away mostly.

News at the time:

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2009/04/haye-upset-with-three-fight-contract-with-klitschko-brothers-news/

It's not exactly hidden knowledge, here is the BBC blog discussing the deal Chisora has just signed:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bendirs/2010/10/boxers_are_like_stain_removal.html

Like anyone else who follows boxing, ideally an organisation would be in charge that made the fights, not the fighters and their camps.

ebbsy

Haye will destroy Audrey within 2 rounds. Its certainly no Bruno/Lewis (which was a good fight).

Its a pity Haye is not fighting one of the brothers, that would be the biggest fight in this division since Hoyfield/Lewis, in my opinion. The Heavyweight championship was once the biggest prize in sport, now everybody with a pulse has held it.

colly10

Draupnir wrote: »

Not the greatest fight ever by any means, but it's unfair to say Haye is dodging either of the brothers, he just refuses to sign into their ridiculous fight contracts.

Have you seen what Chisora had to agree to in order to get the Wladimir fight?

Haye is not Chisora, they offered him 50/50, thats more than fair

Haye has just refused to agree to these multiple opponent, multiple rematch agreements.

Haye never gave that as one of his reasons for not signing last time, if that was expected or he had an issue with it then it would have been mentioned.

By the way, this link http://www.boxingnews24.com/2009/04/haye-upset-with-three-fight-contract-with-klitschko-brothers-news/
was not from the last time they were in negotiation, he's turned down a deal since then and this was not the reason

real stig

To be honest I do think Haye is scared, why would he have agreed to apparently bad contracts, then pull out injured, not arrange a new fight and then take the Harrison fight? Also after Haye did his decapitated Klitschko bit Vitali grabbed him by the throat and threatened to kill him, that was before Haye suffered his 'injury' and pulled out of his Klitschko fight

weemcd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8FslF4ugjI

The most unintentionally funny video I've ever seen, the man trying to trash talk is a joke, "I got a axe" he doesn't even seem to know what he's going to say, they really could have done another, better take.

Man is deluded and he's never beaten anyone of merit, however I'm fed up with Haye already, having only became familiar with him since the build up to valuev think Audley has a better chance than its being made out,

real stig

Audley has a punchers chance, if he lands a few of the powerful hits that he is capable of then he could win this fight as Haye's chin is vulnerable. He probably doesn't have the speed to catch Haye, might be worth a cheeky tenner though!

TheProdigy

weemcd wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8FslF4ugjI

The most unintentionally funny video I've ever seen, the man trying to trash talk is a joke, "I got a axe" he doesn't even seem to know what he's going to say, they really could have done another, better take.

Man is deluded and he's never beaten anyone of merit, however I'm fed up with Haye already, having only became familiar with him since the build up to valuev think Audley has a better chance than its being made out,

"we are as serious as a heart attack" hahaha.

Would love if he sparked Haye.

pbffan

weemcd wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8FslF4ugjI

The most unintentionally funny video I've ever seen, the man trying to trash talk is a joke, "I got a axe" he doesn't even seem to know what he's going to say, they really could have done another, better take.

Man is deluded and he's never beaten anyone of merit, however I'm fed up with Haye already, having only became familiar with him since the build up to valuev think Audley has a better chance than its being made out,

The Sky Sports website is full of articles asking "Has all of Audley's talk gotten to Haye", you gotta love em:)

*******************************************

On the subject of the Klitschko fight, personally I think that Haye is just looking at the bigger picture
If he's going to break into Hollywood like he says he will, he's going to need that pretty face of his in top nick. With that in mind, a Klitschko fight wouldn't be advisable
:pac:

DB10

Why is this fight not in London?

Also Harrison going to parade his title as Arsenal vs Spurs if he pullls it off...

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/harrison-i-will-parade-title-against-spurs

Benny Lava

DB10 wrote: »

Also Harrison going to parade his title as Arsenal vs Spurs if he pullls it off...

Think they'll need to look elsewhere for pre-match/half-time entertainment.

digme

Maybe if he lets haye come to him, instead of following haye around the ring he'll have some hope,otherwise he's fuked.

TechnoPool

early KO for someone i feel, inside 4

x PyRo

I've a small fortune on Harrison via KO at various odds from 13/2 up to 10/1 in the local.

I fully believe it is his time to shine and he'll show his true worth here, the guy has fantastic ability but his fear has stopped him from showing it, yet. He has more than enough motivation for this one, he'll be in tip-top shape and he'll surprise Haye big time. If he lands a left on David's jaw then it's good night, and I really think this will happen. All this "destiny" stuff from Harrison sounds like a load of crap but one way or another he'll be lifting that title after KO'ing Haye.

I'm a big Haye fan by the way, I just think Harrison is finally going to fulfill his "promise" and win the big one.

Rob113

I have a sneaky suspicion that Harrison will pull off a massive shock and actually take this one. I dont know why as Haye is by far the better fighter but i just reckon Harrison has to have at least one decent pro fight in him. It really is his last shot at actually doing something with his pro career, a title fight that there is no way on earth he deserves. If the bad feeling he has for Haye is real then he could pull something out of the bag. Heres hoping in anyway.
I like Haye too but i think hes a gobsh1te for taking this fight and deserves whats coming to him.

Rob113

Rob113 wrote: »

I have a sneaky suspicion that Harrison will pull off a massive shock and actually take this one

He's a very heavy underdog in this fight but anything could happen.

Bodhisopha

I can't believe people are coming around to the idea of Harrison winning this one. Sure anything could happen but it's not likely. First bomb to glance off Audley and he'll revert to type.

ebbsy

I have a few bob on Haye in rounds 1 and 2. 9/1 each.

There is a ten year gap in age as well - a huge difference in boxing terms I think.

colly10

Bodhisopha wrote: »

I can't believe people are coming around to the idea of Harrison winning this one. Sure anything could happen but it's not likely. First bomb to glance off Audley and he'll revert to type.

I don't know if it's Sky Sports or what, everyone with a decent punch has a punchers chance but how is he going to land it.
The difference in class here is massive, don't forget that this is the same Audley that was beaten by Rogan, whatever ye think of Rogan if he was to fight Haye it would be a non contest.

Forget about Harrison's gold, he's a professional a long time now and and never shown that he has anything to offer as a pro.

The boxrec rankings arn't spot on but usually a decent indication, Tyson Fury is ranked higher than the A-Force, that helps put this fight into perspective for me anyway

Jayob10

Dear oh dear, Sky have really dont their job promoting this one. The casual fans will be out in their droves, all buying the hype that Fraudley has a shot.

Absolutely no chance, WHATSOEVER. This is Audley Harrison for christs sake. hes not even a huge puncher, that seems to have been invented over the last month. People who buy this will be sorry when its over before they have even sat down.

Haye wins this one handed.

Even though Haye is overhyped himself, he is too fast and punches from angles that Harrison has never seen before.

Stoppage in round one or two.

Rob113

Ye think I lost the run if myself there for a minute. Just wishful thinking on my part. I'd love to see Audley win it just to punish haye for taking such a fight. Realisically it should be all over in 2. Haye will come at him like an animal and audleys too slow to keep him off, but Christ id love to see him laid out.

-gilly-09-

Why do people have such a problem with Haye? Harrison talks as much sh##e as him and has never backed it up really. Harrison aint done anything since winning a gold medal. Haye has won a world title deservedly and fair enough defended it against a finished fighter but have to feel he's doing the same again now. Barley winning prize-fighter with one decent punch (all he did in the fight that he should have lost). Do you think harrison could beat John ruiz or valuev.?

Bodhisopha

-gilly-09- wrote: »

Why do people have such a problem with Haye? Harrison talks as much sh##e as him and has never backed it up really. Harrison aint done anything since winning a gold medal. Haye has won a world title deservedly and fair enough defended it against a finished fighter but have to feel he's doing the same again now. Barley winning prize-fighter with one decent punch (all he did in the fight that he should have lost). Do you think harrison could beat John ruiz or valuev.?

You're sort of alluding to the answer in your post. A lot of people have a problem with Haye because he is fighting rubbish like Harrison after saying he would never fight him, after proclaiming himself the "saviour of the heavyweight division". After confronting Wlad Klitschko at a charity event accusing him of only fighting bums, wearing t-shirts depicting himself holding the decapitated heads of the Klitschkos only to pull out of fights with both brothers...

Jesus i could go on.

-gilly-09-

Bodhisopha wrote: »

You're sort of alluding to the answer in your post. A lot of people have a problem with Haye because he is fighting rubbish like Harrison after saying he would never fight him, after proclaiming himself the "saviour of the heavyweight division". After confronting Wlad Klitschko at a charity event accusing him of only fighting bums, wearing t-shirts depicting himself holding the decapitated heads of the Klitschkos only to pull out of fights with both brothers...

Jesus i could go on.

I dont disagree at all, just wondering more than anything.

colly10

-gilly-09- wrote: »

I dont disagree at all, just wondering more than anything.

Haye put the expectation of the fans on himself, the heavyweight division has been terrible for many years now. The standard of the division is shocking and the 2 best in the division are terrible to watch.

When Haye moved up he talked about how he felt like he'd be sent by the great heavyweights of the past to bring life back to heavyweight boxing and clear the division of the "Ivan Drago clones".

Some believed this and felt he would be the breath of fresh air the heavyweight division that boxing needs. Since then he has avoided the K's and his excuses have been poor, especially recently. Now he's fighting a guy that was beaten by a taxi driver (I like Rogan but we're talking world level here).

Many of the people who gave him the benefit of the doubt and felt he's exactly what the division needs are a little disappointed now and think it's time for him to back up his talk (although I still think he will fight one of the brothers before he retires, if he wants to be respected when he retires he'll have to, win or loose)

Muzi5434

Anyone know what time the fight will be on?

Frank Bullitt

No matter what the result, this is still, and always will be, a shambolic fight.

real stig

Gintonious wrote: »

No matter what the result, this is still, and always will be, a shambolic fight.

Couldn't agree more, a waste of time for all involved.

Rob113

Is anyone here actually willing to pay to watch this? I'll be watching it if I can decent stream but not a chance of me forking out €22 or whatever for it.
What's the undercard like?

Big Ears

Rob113 wrote: »

What's the undercard like?

boxrec.com/show_display.php?show_id=605819

Some good competitive fights but the overall quality leaves a little to be desired. Groves and Heffron could turn out to be two fantastic fighters and they're both matched very well here, but you'd rather it was more established fighters rather than prospects who were being relied on to boost the quality of the undercard.

Hall vs Davies should be a really good scrap, but I don't think either man will make it past British level.
The IBF Cruiserweight eliminator could be close aswell, but I've no idea why it's happening in the UK and not Germany.

SanoVitae

Gintonious wrote: »

No matter what the result, this is still, and always will be, a shambolic fight.

Is it really such a shambolic fight?

For all his wasted potential as a pro, Audley Harrison is an ex Olympic Champion. Haye is always exciting and I think it makes for a great fight.

It's last chance saloon for Audley and I think he's going to give his all. I think Haye will win but it will be very competitive IMO.

Benny Lava

SanoVitae wrote: »

Is it really such a shambolic fight?

Yes. Yes it is.

Boooourns

SanoVitae wrote: »

Is it really such a shambolic fight?

For all his wasted potential as a pro, Audley Harrison is an ex Olympic Champion. Haye is always exciting and I think it makes for a great fight.

It's last chance saloon for Audley and I think he's going to give his all. I think Haye will win but it will be very competitive IMO.

Damn that Sky sports PR machine is good.

colly10

SanoVitae wrote: »

Is it really such a shambolic fight?

For all his wasted potential as a pro, Audley Harrison is an ex Olympic Champion. Haye is always exciting and I think it makes for a great fight.

It's last chance saloon for Audley and I think he's going to give his all. I think Haye will win but it will be very competitive IMO.

That was over 10 years ago. The pro game is also very different to the amateurs.
He was very lucky his career wasn't finished after the loss to Rogan, did he not have more to loose then too.

This is a fight between the fighter ranked as the third best heavyweight in the world against a fighter ranked 5th best heavyweight in England. It's a non contest.
Haye has comfortably beaten better fighters than Audley has ever faced.
Only for things being a little tight this month I would have around 300 on a Haye KO