Tyson and Lewis both predict Klitschko to beat Haye
Published:Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis are no strangers to the demands of heavyweight title fights and they both share the belief that Wladimir Klitschko will triumph in his hugely anticipated showdown with David Haye.
The clash in Hamburg is potentially the biggest of the decade so far with Haye putting his WBA title on the line and Klitschko defending his IBF, IBO and WBO belts.
It is an intriguing encounter with many people believing that Haye’s trash talking may have ruffled Klitschko, while the Brit also possesses the speed to cause some unfamiliar problems.
However, former heavyweight champions Lewis and Tyson are in agreement that the bigger Ukrainian will triumph, also they do differ slightly in their reasonings behind their decision.
Lewis feels that Haye will not be able to get close enough to Klitschko to land any big shots, while Tyson believes that Haye has a lack of punching power that will mean that Klitschko will simply be able to walk through his best shots.
Tyson told German television channel RTL: “David has never shown the punching power to force a guy of the calibre of Klitschko into reverse gear.
“We know that David Haye does not hit hard enough to get the respect of Wladimir Klitschko. I don’t say this to disrespect Haye, but as an objective observer.”
Meanwhile, Lewis told Boxing website Boxrec: “My heart says David, but my head says Wladimir. The reason is because Wladmir has a good jab, good experience and a great trainer in his corner.”
Klitschko is the 8/13 favourite in the boxing betting to claim a 14th successive victory since his 2004 defeat to Lamon Brewster, with Haye priced at 11/8.
With the general consensus being that the fight will end inside the distance, it is 5/4 that Klitschko wins via KO, although 7/2 may be a big price that he claims victory through the scorecards of the ringside judges.
