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Haye Presto!
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GIANT SLAYER: Haye lands a big right hand on Valuev’s head
NEW WORLD champion David Haye recently captured the WBA version of the heavyweight crown - and superstar status.
The Briton’s win against Russian giant Nikolai Valuev has almost guaranteed Haye fame and fortune over the next few years.
The Voice of Sport took the streets to find out what the general public think about the charismatic south Londoner and whether he can bring prestige back to the coveted heavyweight title.
BENTLEY, 34, east London
Can Haye go on to achieve greatness?
“I think so because he’s got self-belief and self-assurance. I met him and he seems like an overall very nice guy. I hope he goes all the way. I think he can.”
Can he resurrect interest in boxing’s premier division?
Yeah, absolutely. Basically you’ve got a lot of fighters that have no swagger – charisma’s called swagger – he’s got a lot of swagger. He’s cool, laid back, outgoing, seems down to earth and another big plus for him is that he promotes himself so he’s not going to be taken in by anybody.
Has he got the Ali X-factor?
“Comparing him to Ali is a leap right now. He’s just won one big fight. He has a little bit to go before you can make that comparison but, from watching him, I don’t think he’s a student of anyone. He comes across as original and he has the charisma – he gives exciting interviews and exciting fights.”
Why do you think it’s important to have a British heavyweight champion?
“I think champions need to come from great countries. I respect what he did because he stepped up. Everybody was doubting him.”
KORY WILLIAMS, 17, Chingford
Can Haye go on to achieve greatness?
“It’s possible. Anyone can do it. For example Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One world championship last year so anyone can do it.”
Can he resurrect interest in boxing premier division?
“Yeah, because I wouldn’t have watched the fight until I saw it on TV but it made me want to watch it.”
Has he got the Ali X-factor?
“Definitely!”
Why do you think it’s important to have a British heavyweight champion?
“Because I’m British so I’d want a British heavyweight champion - just like I’d want a British champion at every sport.”
KINGSLEY DONKOH, 25, Forest Gate
Can Haye go on to achieve greatness?
“Evidently. He might be a good fighter but the reason is because he never lost his confidence and he was able to whip him. I think he can do greater things.”
Can he resurrect interest in boxing’s premier division?
“He’s very good and he’s got endurance. He’s a real sportsman. He can definitely unify the titles.”
Has he got the Ali X-factor?
“He’s got that charisma and drive. It is important for him to remain righteous, cool and move on with his career.”
Why do you think it’s important to have a British heavyweight champion?
“I’m very proud of that. I wasn’t born in this country but once I was here, I’m part of the country and whatever they do I support them. I pray that he becomes the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I’m a German but it’s good for him to win. Britain is the only place that gives ethnic minorities the opportunity to express whatever their gift or talent is. So I’m on his side.”
DONNA STROUDE, 39, Stratford
Can Haye go on to achieve greatness?
“If he doesn’t get stupid. Sometimes when people win something or do something, when they reach that point they turn foolish.”
Can he resurrect interest in boxing’s premier division?
“Yes and the reason why I say yes is because the guy he fought against was big! I don’t really watch or study boxing but because of who he was fighting against I didn’t think he was going to win. More power to him though.”
Why do you think it’s important to have a British heavyweight champion?
“I wouldn’t have really cared if he was British, African, American, Swedish or French. It’s the fact that one, he was a black guy and two, the difference in size. But because he’s British and he’s black it can only be a good thing.”
Has he got the Ali X-factor?
“He’s kind of alright looking! (laughs) He’s a good looking guy.”
Published: 16 November 2009
Issue: 1398
