What Next for the Hayemaker?
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The 2nd July was supposed to be the day that David Haye cemented his reputation as the best fighter (as well as the best talker) in the world of boxing. Unfortunately, on the receiving end of Wladimir Klitschko's relentless jab, and perhaps partially due to an unpleasant toe injury, Haye stumbled at the last hurdle and was defeated.
For the Klitschkos, Wladimir's victory was fitting revenge for three years of provocation and insults from Haye. Whilst Haye's antics may not have won him friends in the boxing world, there's no doubt that he has generated more interest and more press inches, and most importantly more views on Sky pay-per-view digital tv than nearly any other boxer. Haye admits that it's mostly for show, but it's a shame his boxing couldn't match up to the pre-game chat.
Haye always maintained that he wanted to retire before he was 31, but he has talked about the possibility of a rematch with Wladimir. For this, however, he will almost certainly have to wait - Wladimir is in no hurry to give Haye what he wants and has other fights on his mind, Vitaliy, the older brother, is another potential opponent, but he has other fights lined up and will also be in no hurry to fight Haye.
So, the Hayemaker faces the possibility of going back through the division, building up his reputation again and taking on some of the talented fighter's further down the world rankings. Maybe in two or three years he could work his way back up to the level where the whole world will want to see a Haye-Klitschko rematch, but at the moment the boxing world has turned its attention elsewhere.
Frank Warren has already come out and said Haye should retire, he doesn't need money (having walked away from his last two fights with a cumulative total of around £15m), and as he's said himself, boxing can catch up with you. He's also got other interests, with acting high up on his list of priorities.
Of course, that would mean going out on a whimper, his last fight being that rain-soaked encounter in Germany, not to mention having to watch the Klistchko's doing the rounds showing off their belts. Not many fighters are able to resist the allure of one more fight, but Haye would do well to remember that very few fighters get the luxury of going out on top, most retire on a defeat, and some defeats are, undeniably, better than others.
Throughout his career Haye has often made the right, and sometimes courageous, calls. Let's hope this time it's no different.
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