David Haye says Joshua-Klitschko is on, says the match-up reminds him of Ali’s ill-fated fight with Berbick

James Slater - October 11, 2016 9 Comments 


Though British promoter Eddie Hearn is at pains to insist how the huge Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko (or should that be the other war around, with “Dr. Steel Hammer’s” name being given top billing?) fight is “close” but not yet done, former champ David Haye has Tweeted a congratulatory message to the reigning IBF heavyweight belt-holder over having got the fight.
“Great to hear Joshua-Klitschko is done. Timing is everything & the time now is perfect for AJ. Reminds me of Ali-Berbick. #Father Time,” Haye wrote today.

So, does Haye know something we do not, and is the fight a done deal and on for a date to be confirmed soon? Or Has Haye simply jumped the gun? Time will tell, but Hearn has already dismissed Haye’s Tweet.
But is Joshua-Klitschko/Klitschko-Joshua really a fight/match-up comparable to Muhammad Ali’s final fight, the quite depressing affair in The Bahamas that saw “The Greatest” look so poor against Trevor Berbick? Sure, Klitschko, at age 40, is around the same age as Ali was in the December 1981 bout (lost, as surely all fight fans know, by Ali via 10-round UD) and yes, Klitschko is coming off a loss, as Ali was upon entering what turned out to be his final ring appearance. But there the similarities end.
Ali was not just old and battling Father Time when he went in against Berbick, he was a sick man who had absolutely no business being in the ring unless it was to be introduced to fans as a ringside guest of honour who was in attendance to witness two other fighters go to war. And though Klitschko lost to Tyson Fury almost a year ago, he was nowhere near as faded a force as Ali was in his fight prior to meeting Berbick – the awful Larry Holmes fight/beating.READ 
[url=https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/fury-vs-klitschko-an-unfinished-rivalry/62983][/url]
Maybe the timing is right for Joshua, and maybe, if he does fight Klitshko next, he will benefit from his youth, his enthusiasm and his sharpness. But no way will he be meeting a standing target, or a sitting duck of a brutally faded former fighter the kind Ali was in his fight against Berbick.
You can’t blame Haye for rooting for Joshua, as he very much wants to fight him. Klitschko, though, is the pick to beat AJ in the opinion of many. Timing is indeed everything in boxing, and the majority of experts say this fight has come too soon for a fighter yet to go beyond the 7th-round.

Figure this guy deserves a thread, our again in December but no opponent as yet.

Who would you like to see him face?

Do you think he can make an impact in the division that's now wide open?

Interesting fight, be a yardstick of Parkers performance.

Personally I think so.

No excuses for low punches to boxing's bottom line, says Sky

I think it's about time we post our predictions for this fight, now that it's getting pretty close.

I'll start, Parker by KO 6th round.

This old man river, two times busted PED cheat has thrown out the old fake respectful persona and is now talking all kinds of trash.

Last week he said joshua was ducking him even though he's been going the WBA route, this week he's saying he will ko klitschko.

I think he's getting desperate as his 50th birthday is approaching and he has no money

Eddie Hearn Tweeted today that, he's reached out to team Klitschko for the fight on November 26. This is as tasty as it gets and would have it over Josh Parker any day. That can wait. I'd love to see if AJ could handle the legend right now as Wlad isn't a spring chook obviously. In fact Fury Wlad would most probably be another borefest anyway, with a tedious decision either way the likely result. Parker vs winner next year - although if Wlad were to win, would the mandatory fight still be compulsory for early next year? Exciting times. ....

Surprised nobody has posted about this. Hell of a fight. Usyk looks very exciting and dangerous but it's a big step up in opposition.
Who is everyone picking to win?

Alright everyone, brand new to the site but glad to see plenty nz boxing fans .. not many here in Nelson that i know of. Juat wondering if the alvarez v smith fight is being shown? Called sky last week and asked if they had ggg v brook and they said no so watched it back later on YouTube but one of the lads at work said it was shown for free on arena ? Cheers anyone that replies .. i predict canello tko in the 8th