Freddie Roach: Haye has a great chance if he starts fast

Original article by James Slater


Ace trainer of champions Freddie Roach has earned a reputation as a guy who is capable of making darned good pre-fight predictions. Often getting the exact round right when calling the outcome of a fight, Roach has proven time and again how he knows his stuff.

In light of this, it’s no surprise top boxing writer Gareth A Davies of The Telegraph wanted to get Freddie’s opinion on the outcome of the fight everyone is talking about right now: Wladimir Klitschko Vs. David Haye. And, in speaking exclusively with the newspaper, Roach made it clear he gives “The Hayemaker” a very good chance indeed.

“The key to this fight for Haye is to take Wladimir’s confidence away, and do it early,” Roach said to Davies. “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. Haye needs to take that window of opportunity.”

Roach went on to explain how he once worked with Wladimir and that he and Haye are friends of his. Quite alarmingly, however, Roach shared with the publication a story regarding something Wladimir said to him one day when the two were working together.

“I said to him one day - ‘You’re a great athlete,’” Roach said. “You know what he said to me? ‘I wish I could fight.’

It is this perceived lack of true self belief on Wladimir’s part that Roach feels Haye can exploit with a fast, authoritative, explosive start. Roach is a true believer in mental strength and in the interview it sure comes across like Freddie feels Wladimir is weaker than Haye is in this area. But will Haye be able to jump right on Klitschko like Roach feels he has to?

Other big-punching heavyweights have tried to take the heat right to “Dr. Steel Hammer” ever since Corrie Sanders shocked him inside a couple of rounds in 2003. Guess what? They have all failed. Haye may be a lot faster than Sam Peter and Ruslan Chagaev, and he may have more power than Eddie Chambers and Chris Byrd, but does he have either the chin Peter and Chagaev have (or had) or the defensive prowess Byrd and “Fast” Eddie knew how to make use of?

Roach stopped short of predicting a round, but he said enough to give Haye fans added hope. Roach feels Haye must do it early or run the risk of being beaten once Wladimir gets into his rhythm. And Haye himself has made no secret of the fact that he intends to come out blazing with both hands. This is probably the WBA champ’s best chance of adding the Ring Magazine, IBF, WBO and IBO belts to his collection. But what if Haye walks onto something hard as he tries to unload his own artillery?

I think, if Haye does indeed come out slugging, this fight will come down to who lands a bomb first. Can we expect a sensationally exciting, short and sweet slugfest? Let’s hope so! Roach says the fight is a good one for the division and that a Haye win will be the best result for boxing because he is exciting whereas the Klitschkos are “boring.”

I can’t see the rapidly approaching fight being in any way boring; whoever wins.


Regards

Steffan

Thanks for sharing this, Steffan.

It's interesting to get a perspective from Roach, and I'm sure everybody hopes he is right in suggesting that Haye will come out all guns blazing. I'd reckon it to be his only chance, since I don't believe he possesses the fundamental defensive technique to avoid the Wlad jab while still getting his own shots off.

I'm not convinced, though, that Haye will be overly keen on being the all out aggressor if he tastes Wlad's one - two during early exchanges.

I originally thought that Haye was elusive enough and quick enough to stay out of range, spring in with a combination, and get back out again before getting tagged. However, as is always the case as a big fight nears, I find myself changing my mind and tend to agree that unless Haye bombs Wlad out early then I don't see him having much chance.

My thoughts very much chime with those already posted. Think if this fight goes long and Wlad can establish his underrated jab Haye has little chance, think he needs to get to him early and believe his constant insults of Wlad are all aimed to get Wlad to lose his rag and put his chin out to dry. However I do not see Wlad falling for this and think he will be cautious early, will tie Haye up when eh get close and with the weight draining Haye he will present a static target and Wlad will take him out any time after the half way point

Even if Haye gets Wlad down early I can see the Klits getting up, gathering himself and then working behind the jab. Plus if Haye goes out guns blazing and fails to finish the fight early it may tire him out a bit and he wont be so quick to move about and avoid the punches. 10 days to go fellas. I cant wait

Won't it be great if he causes the upset and does it though?

Yes and no Fists, yes if he is then going to go on and fight Vitali, no if he goes through with his oft repeated retirement plan

If he wins, I can't see him retiring. A fight with Vitali would be absolutely huge, even more money than this one, and the chance to control every single belt in the HW division. Would be huge for his legacy and huge for his bank account.

rowley wrote:Yes and no Fists, yes if he is then going to go on and fight Vitali, no if he goes through with his oft repeated retirement plan

Would agree with that, think i'll be quite annoyed if he wins and then retires, really annoyed. Haye needs to come out and try to take Wlad out straight away in my opinion. Using the same tactics he did against Valuev is wrong. He doesnt want to be backing off from Klitschko letting him control the centre of the ring, all he'll do is put that jab out and measure him for the right hand. He wants to go out straight away and push Wlad back, unsettle him. If he let's Wlad settle in behind the jab i can see a long boring fight. Also if he does do this he better retire.

I think what makes it interesting in both guys are beatable to each others style.

I still see Wlad as having a vulnerabilty to the counter overhand left. Mainly the reason Sanders beat him and the punch that caused him most trouble with Brewster. His conditioning was also poor against Brewster and he was gassed almost halfway through the fight. Since then I expect his conditioning to be no longer a factor but se him as being open to the left. Hes improved immeasurably from the Sanders fight - jab is more authorative, controls range much better, doesnt leave himself as open, better on the inside. Plus to land the overhand left is a high risk move as you are throwing yoursef into the danger zone and are slightly off balance. Getting it wrong and missing or not countering the jab properly to land it could be punishing.

Haye should theoritically have the tools to win but again I havent seen much in the Valuev and Ruiz fights to be overly optimistic. Ruiz is not known for a top class jab yet was still managing to land often enough to cause concern considering he will be facing a prety awesome powerful jab next. Valuev wasnt able too much on him but still made Haye uncomfortable enough and running which meant Haye didnt have much time to throw anything back. Again if this is a much more controlling and speedier Wlad its hard to see how Haye wins rounds if his performance is anything like it was against Valuev.

Ultimately I see Wlad as the more proven and established guy so I am playing it safe in thinking he will win. Alot of what it comes down to is that I can see Wlad winning fighting his usual way and gameplan that he has done for the last 7 years now without having to raise his game significantly or do anything particularly different.

Haye on the other hand I think will need to show something significantly improved and a level or two up than he has done to date at heavyweight as I feel his past performances would see him lose.

I think it comes down to whether Haye can do enough to unsettle Wlad. As soon as Wlad is comfortable, there is only one winner and it isn't Haye.

i know haye is the underdog, i have a feeling haye is going to blast Wlad out in round 4.

i wouldnt bet your house on my feeling though, although i may have a flutter.

Wlad is very good though, i dont underestimate him. he is a fantastic talent. very athletic and probably has the second biggest punch in boxing, behind his bro. haye being 3rd IMO, purely because the klits are so much bigger.

The Galveston Giant wrote:

rowley wrote:Yes and no Fists, yes if he is then going to go on and fight Vitali, no if he goes through with his oft repeated retirement plan

Would agree with that, think i'll be quite annoyed if he wins and then retires, really annoyed. Haye needs to come out and try to take Wlad out straight away in my opinion. Using the same tactics he did against Valuev is wrong. He doesnt want to be backing off from Klitschko letting him control the centre of the ring, all he'll do is put that jab out and measure him for the right hand. He wants to go out straight away and push Wlad back, unsettle him. If he let's Wlad settle in behind the jab i can see a long boring fight. Also if he does do this he better retire.

But if he does beat Wlad and then goes onto beat Vitali - who else is there for him to fight? No one else is worth getting out of bed for in the morning. The hunger will disappear. He may as well retire as there is no-one else to challenge him. Disappointing but true.

Agree with all other posts on here, just feel the longer the fight goes the better position Wlad will be in for the win.

Haye's stamia concerns me and if Wlad clinches up close and gets his jab working Haye will be in real trouble.

If Haye does win, which I hope he does he'll need to fly out of the blocks and get Wlad off his stride.

A fight with Vitali would be a mouth watering prospect and one that would bring so many dollar signs that Hazye would be a loon to pass it up.

If Haye puts in a performance similar to Valuev then he will lose on the scorecards. If his timing is wrong (ala Ruiz fight), then he's going to struggle with Wlad jab which is well known about and could get stopped late.

With that said I like what I've seen from Haye's camp in the past week. He looks extremely focused, probably as serious as I've ever seen him, and Booth has shown good tactical nouse in his past few fights so I expect they will have a good game plan to counter whatever Wlad has in store for them.

One of the interesting dynamics in this fight for me is we know what to expect from Wlad, he isn't going to change too much how he fights under Steward with style or tactic, and why should he due to his success and effectiveness, but with Haye we all have an idea what he might do, but there is still an unknown exactly what type of tactics he will employee which will only become clear when he gets in the ring.

Pity I'll be out on the ale when it happens. Day at the races at Haydock followed by a long night in liverpool.

Steffan wrote:Even if Haye gets Wlad down early I can see the Klits getting up, gathering himself and then working behind the jab. Plus if Haye goes out guns blazing and fails to finish the fight early it may tire him out a bit and he wont be so quick to move about and avoid the punches. 10 days to go fellas. I cant wait

You ever seen Wlad rocked? Quick recovery is not his forte.

Is this an old article? Heard Roach say the same thing on the radio in the build up to the called off fight a year or so ago.

Michaels, Sean wrote:Is this an old article? Heard Roach say the same thing on the radio in the build up to the called off fight a year or so ago.

No because iv seen it on numerous websites and all have yesterdays date for posting

Nice try though Sean...

Dazstarr wrote:

The Galveston Giant wrote:

rowley wrote:Yes and no Fists, yes if he is then going to go on and fight Vitali, no if he goes through with his oft repeated retirement plan

Would agree with that, think i'll be quite annoyed if he wins and then retires, really annoyed. Haye needs to come out and try to take Wlad out straight away in my opinion. Using the same tactics he did against Valuev is wrong. He doesnt want to be backing off from Klitschko letting him control the centre of the ring, all he'll do is put that jab out and measure him for the right hand. He wants to go out straight away and push Wlad back, unsettle him. If he let's Wlad settle in behind the jab i can see a long boring fight. Also if he does do this he better retire.

But if he does beat Wlad and then goes onto beat Vitali - who else is there for him to fight? No one else is worth getting out of bed for in the morning. The hunger will disappear. He may as well retire as there is no-one else to challenge him. Disappointing but true.

Totally agree daz, I was meaning if he were to beat wlad and retire without trying to secure a fight with Vitali, that would seriously annoy me

The Galveston Giant wrote:

Dazstarr wrote:

The Galveston Giant wrote:

rowley wrote:Yes and no Fists, yes if he is then going to go on and fight Vitali, no if he goes through with his oft repeated retirement plan

Would agree with that, think i'll be quite annoyed if he wins and then retires, really annoyed. Haye needs to come out and try to take Wlad out straight away in my opinion. Using the same tactics he did against Valuev is wrong. He doesnt want to be backing off from Klitschko letting him control the centre of the ring, all he'll do is put that jab out and measure him for the right hand. He wants to go out straight away and push Wlad back, unsettle him. If he let's Wlad settle in behind the jab i can see a long boring fight. Also if he does do this he better retire.

But if he does beat Wlad and then goes onto beat Vitali - who else is there for him to fight? No one else is worth getting out of bed for in the morning. The hunger will disappear. He may as well retire as there is no-one else to challenge him. Disappointing but true.

Totally agree daz, I was meaning if he were to beat wlad and retire without trying to secure a fight with Vitali, that would seriously annoy me

Now THAT would be very annoying. To me - for Haye to secure his legacy - he needs to beat both. I personally think Vitali is the easier option. Hasnt looked great in his last couple of fights. Looks to be fading.

Dazstarr wrote:

The Galveston Giant wrote:

Dazstarr wrote:

The Galveston Giant wrote:

rowley wrote:Yes and no Fists, yes if he is then going to go on and fight Vitali, no if he goes through with his oft repeated retirement plan

Would agree with that, think i'll be quite annoyed if he wins and then retires, really annoyed. Haye needs to come out and try to take Wlad out straight away in my opinion. Using the same tactics he did against Valuev is wrong. He doesnt want to be backing off from Klitschko letting him control the centre of the ring, all he'll do is put that jab out and measure him for the right hand. He wants to go out straight away and push Wlad back, unsettle him. If he let's Wlad settle in behind the jab i can see a long boring fight. Also if he does do this he better retire.

But if he does beat Wlad and then goes onto beat Vitali - who else is there for him to fight? No one else is worth getting out of bed for in the morning. The hunger will disappear. He may as well retire as there is no-one else to challenge him. Disappointing but true.

Totally agree daz, I was meaning if he were to beat wlad and retire without trying to secure a fight with Vitali, that would seriously annoy me

Now THAT would be very annoying. To me - for Haye to secure his legacy - he needs to beat both. I personally think Vitali is the easier option. Hasnt looked great in his last couple of fights. Looks to be fading.

Agree, Wlad looks the more dangerous of the brothers now.

Vitali does seem to be slowing somewhat.

Still, can't see Haye retiring if he beats Wlad, just too much money involved.

It's such a shame that when we do finally get the best british heavyweight since Lewis - there is no one for him to bloody fight!! (Should he beat both brothers mind).

Dazstarr wrote:It's such a shame that when we do finally get the best british heavyweight since Lewis - there is no one for him to bloody fight!! (Should he beat both brothers mind).

Put rocks in DeGales boots so he can make the HW limit.

Won't be much of a contest but will be a good old jolly watching DeGale get a darn good shoeing!!

Not sure Vitali is the easier option, for me it is completely the other way round.

Vitali is stronger, he its harder and has a much sounder chin than Wladimir - for me Haye beats Wlad by KO before the 7th, but would get pummeled by Vitali

Sir. badgerhands wrote:

Dazstarr wrote:It's such a shame that when we do finally get the best british heavyweight since Lewis - there is no one for him to bloody fight!! (Should he beat both brothers mind).

Put rocks in DeGales boots so he can make the HW limit.

Won't be much of a contest but will be a good old jolly watching DeGale get a darn good shoeing!!

Haha! quality!

Did you watch ringside where Booth and Haye were sparring in the ring? Booth had these crazy goth boots on which makes him about 6 inches taller! Looked like a right plonker! Haha!!

i think if he can avoid any shots like he did with valuev then he has won half the battle, he broke his right hand early on in the fight and so long as that doesnt happen again and he can keep throwing bombs then i think he can win. however i don't think he will fight with the same stratergy though.

JDandfries wrote:Vitali is stronger, he its harder and has a much sounder chin than Wladimir - for me Haye beats Wlad by KO before the 7th, but would get pummeled by Vitali

This is all true - but since he is aging - he has left gaps everywhere else. He is a lot more hittable, his defence doesnt come up as fast and his punches arent as quick as they used to be. All this will play right into Hayes hands - who is the perfect boxer to take advantages of these deficencies. As long as Haye doesnt get clocked - i think he will beat Vitali purely with speed and accuracy and overwhelm him.

I keep changing my mind about this one, but my latest thoughts are along these lines....

If Haye detonates a big punch on Klitschko I just cannot see him recovering, he's a bit like Bruno as in when he gets tagged something just switches off and he goes into robot mode. Given the speed of Haye and the angles he uses there is a high probability he will land a big punch sooner or later.

If you watch Klitschko's fights (other than his losses) he hardly ever gets hit and his defence seems to be avoiding getting hit by controlling the range.

I just don't think he can avoid a Haye bomb or two unless he fights the absolute perfect fight. Haye TKO on the 6th.

Goes both ways Sugarray; Is Haye going to avoid the jabs/right hands all night? I dont think so, and if Wlad connects early then Haye will be less inclined to come forward. A constant jab in the face could very well dishearten him.

Its all very interesting.

joeyjojo618 wrote:Goes both ways Sugarray; Is Haye going to avoid the jabs/right hands all night? I dont think so, and if Wlad connects early then Haye will be less inclined to come forward. A constant jab in the face could very well dishearten him.

Its all very interesting.

This is true - so hard to call, it will be nothing if not intriguing.

If Haye walks in throwing bombs he'll walk into jabs like most guy's he's fought's hardest shots. I expect Haye to be cautious for the first 2 rounds then as soon as he lands which he will because of his speed and ability, he'll finish things off. Haye within 4.

Any prediction other than Haye gets lucky / Wlad gets stupid is pure patriotism.

If Wlad fights a good fight there can only be one winner.

For Haye - it's all about his head movement and the speed he can close the distance. Then Boom!!!

I just feel that in order to beat Haye you're going to need a great chin. Obviously Wlad doesn't posses this. I just can't see Wlad shutting Haye completely out. Of course it is possible that Klitschko lands first but just can't see that he'll be quick enough early in the fight when Haye will be at his sharpest.

Michaels, Sean wrote:Any prediction other than Haye gets lucky / Wlad gets stupid is pure patriotism.

If Wlad fights a good fight there can only be one winner.

Sean I'm not too sure mate, my patriotism went out the window a while back I have a niggly feeling Haye might try and win this on the back foot, fast flurries, pot shotting, darting in and out etc..

So a question I'd like to ask you chaps do you think Haye can win this via decision? Closer the fights getting I'm beginning to fancy Haye to try and take the title out the back door possibly in an un-dramatic fashion. I know Haye pulls back and can't counter the jab so I'd imagine he'd have to initiate the action to score points, my fight predictions are horrible and I maybes have went barking mad, but I think Haye may nick a pts win.

It probably will end in two rounds now, but does anyone else think Haye can win on the back foot?

Cheers

Rodders

Rodney wrote:

Michaels, Sean wrote:Any prediction other than Haye gets lucky / Wlad gets stupid is pure patriotism.

If Wlad fights a good fight there can only be one winner.

Sean I'm not too sure mate, my patriotism went out the window a while back I have a niggly feeling Haye might try and win this on the back foot, fast flurries, pot shotting, darting in and out etc..

So a question I'd like to ask you chaps do you think Haye can win this via decision? Closer the fights getting I'm beginning to fancy Haye to try and take the title out the back door possibly in an un-dramatic fashion. I know Haye pulls back and can't counter the jab so I'd imagine he'd have to initiate the action to score points, my fight predictions are horrible and I maybes have went barking mad, but I think Haye may nick a pts win.

It probably will end in two rounds now, but does anyone else think Haye can win on the back foot?

Cheers

Rodders

Alright Rodders. Possibly. I think if he survived 12 and had Wlad down at least once he may get sneak a draw. Don King probably has rights to the rematch if so......

Rodders was speaking to a friend who is a former boxer last night and he is absolutely certain Haye will utilise the tactics you have outlined, basically a slightly more aggressive version of the Valuev fight. Personally am unconvinced, think in Wlad he is not facing Valuev. Think with Manny on board they will have considered him utilising these tactics and will have worked on closing him down and cutting off the ring. Still think Haye's best chance is to try and go in and take him out and fully expect him to try to do just that.

Rodney - my original prediction was Haye on points. But this will take a phenomenal effort on Haye's part (to win via decision) and amazing stamina.

The danger with that tactic is Wlad will relentlessly hunt him down behind the jab as he is very good at cutting the ring off.

I have a hunch Haye is going to come out swinging and try and surpise Wlad and catch him cold....

Nice to see you, Rodders.

I believe that Haye needs to hurt Wlad to win, whether it be by stoppage or over the long haul, and I don't see him doing that unless he plants his feet. If he plants his feet, then he'd better be able to slip, duck or parry Wlad's jab and fire one straight back or counter over the top, in my opinion.

I'm sure Haye's people know a damned sight better than I do how he can win but I can't, for the life of me, see him winning by hitting and running.

What does your Wife think on this one Rowley!!

Is Haye in great shape too..

My guess is her big fight prediction record is better than yours..

Unlike yourself truss who has never called one wrong, remind me again mate what did you end up spending your Hatton Manny or Haye Valuev winnings on?

I said Haye early or Valuev late......

But you're right...your Mrs could probably teach me a thing or two about fight predictions..and why not...

She's taught me everything else..

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:I said Haye early or Valuev late......

But you're right...your Mrs could probably teach me a thing or two about fight predictions..and why not...

She's taught me everything else..

Here's hoping she gets round to manners soon.

Don't need them..I'm American.

Thanks lads, nice to see you all on board still, I know its a long shot but I think Booth might think Haye has the legs on Wlad, looking forward to it.

Ha ! She probably has Truss mate.

She usually picks when she watches them walk to the ring, if they crack a smile, wave or do a little jiggle, she'll usually go for that fella.

She's going for Wlad In 6 on this one, she seen Haye on ringside and said he looks frightened, so they you have it !

Cheers Rodders

Hard fight to call Rod..which makes it so fascinating...

Haye early or Vlad late......for me..

After the Rhodes fiasco ..maybe better not to here Rowley's prediction

Now, now Truss we're all allowed one heart ruling the head prediction. That one was definitely mine! Am still going for Wlad by stoppage on this one though and may even try to recoup my losses backing it

It is Truss, can't decide if Wlad is truly underrated or not, I'll know better after this one.

I can't have a go at anyones fight prediction I wrote an article 606 once, saying there was no way possible Manny could beat Oscar and it was bad for boxing. I should've listened to the wife, she picked Manny in that after seeing him wave to the crowd.

Cheers Rodders

Just winding you up Windy...I mean Rowley

I think Vlad is pretty robotic/stroke basic in an era where it has been enough....I think Haye has the skills to find him and expose his weakish chin...

However like Bruno against Lewis.....Vlad might irritate with his jab...and also being in Germany with a pro-Vlad crowd and against an opponent who may intimidate Haye might do a Hide v Bowe and lose his legs early because he's spent a lot of nervous energy..

Why I like Haye early or Vlad late..

If I was a less classy guy I would respond that it's not a problem Lescargo but that is way too cheap a shot for me.