FIT TO FIGHT?
NO one can question the sheer bravery of David Haye to fight on despite his obvious Achilles injury, nor the clear raw emotion of Tony Bellew in his unexpected if rather peculiar victory. But the cold question that must surely be asked after all the pomp, hype, anticipation and tension of the pre-fight build-up is: Was Haye fit to fight? If not, then why did this fight happen, and why wasn’t it postponed? Was the prize too great? Was the pressure for the fight to happen as planned greater than the basic need to have a fair match between two fit boxers? These are uncomfortable questions, and I think the paying public deserve answers. David Doe
SIZE MATTERS
I WAS interested to read about the unforgettable war of attrition between Thomas Hearns and Dennis Andries, which was remembered in the March 9 issue. I was privileged to be right on the ring apron taking photos of the fight that night in 1987. Against heavy media opinion, I firmly believed that there was every probability that Andries would stop Hearns – that was until I saw the ring earlier in the afternoon. It was huge, which did not augur well for Andries.
As good as Hearns was that night, I still believe it was the ring that beat Andries. It was made to measure for the longlegged, fleet-footed Hearns, as it allowed him to frustrate Andries and wear him down. Andries fought bravely against the considerable odds of a great challenger and a huge ring, which proved crucial. Peter Shaw
HAYE HAS HEART
I DON’T think David Haye’s team should’ve let him continue against Tony Bellew following his Achilles injury. His movement was severely hampered, and footwork is very important as a means of defence.
However, it did show that Haye is not just a talker. He definitely has a warrior’s heart and guts. I hope to see him in action again. Cyril Jones-evans
MEANS OF MOTIVATION
BEFORE the David Haye-tony Bellew fight, Haye was a big favourite, but there was one thing in the back of my mind – the motivation of the two. Fighting to secure his children’s future – as Bellew was – made him a very dangerous animal. But what heavyweights we have in Britain. Any of our top heavyweights – including Bellew – could take out Deontay Wilder, in my opinion. Ray Fox