UNIQUE INSIGHT Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury: David Haye tells fascinating story about sparring with the WBC champion
Former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye has recalled the intriguing story of his days sparring with current WBC king Deontay Wilder.
The retired Bermondsey man enjoyed multiple rounds with the undefeated American when preparing for his scheduled fights against Tyson Fury in 2013 and 2014 – which ultimately didn’t take place.
Now, Wilder is set for his own December 1 bout against Fury and, following their time together, the Hayemaker believes he will emerge victorious.
“I’ve sparred with Deontay Wilder many times,” Haye told Jim White on talkSPORT, “He’s got a very, very, very, hard right hand and it’s an equaliser.
“No matter what Tyson Fury does, as long as Deontay Wilder is able to stay on his feet, he has a chance of ending the fight with one punch. I don’t believe that the other way around.
“I’ve hit Deontay Wilder on the chin with shots that would have knocked out most heavyweights and he’s been able to stay on his feet.
“He may get buzzed, but he’s still on his feet and he was firing back. I don’t believe Tyson Fury has that type of resistance.”
Fury returned to the ring in June after two and a half years out of the ring – something Haye understands, having done similar in 2016.
Both men won two tune-up bouts upon their returns; David Haye defeated Mark de Mori and Arnold Gjergjaj, while Tyson Fury beat Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta.
However, when David Haye stepped up to face Tony Bellew, his comeback unravelled and he suffered two stoppage defeats.
The 38-year-old believes the Gypsy King’s comeback may follow a similar pattern.
When asked about the consensus opinion that Wilder will have too much for Fury when they meet, Haye responded: “I agree. I just believe Tyson Fury has not in the last three years put his body, put his mind, put his skillset in a position to give himself the best chance.
“He’s gone off the boil, he’s got his well-documented issues with mental health and drugs.
“This isn’t the ideal preparation to fight someone who’s knocked out every single opponent he’s ever faced.
“It just doesn’t marry up for giving Tyson Fury a good chance in this fight, but he’s a very awkward character, awkward style, anything’s possible with him.”
The retired Bermondsey man enjoyed multiple rounds with the undefeated American when preparing for his scheduled fights against Tyson Fury in 2013 and 2014 – which ultimately didn’t take place.
Now, Wilder is set for his own December 1 bout against Fury and, following their time together, the Hayemaker believes he will emerge victorious.
“I’ve sparred with Deontay Wilder many times,” Haye told Jim White on talkSPORT, “He’s got a very, very, very, hard right hand and it’s an equaliser.
“No matter what Tyson Fury does, as long as Deontay Wilder is able to stay on his feet, he has a chance of ending the fight with one punch. I don’t believe that the other way around.
“I’ve hit Deontay Wilder on the chin with shots that would have knocked out most heavyweights and he’s been able to stay on his feet.
“He may get buzzed, but he’s still on his feet and he was firing back. I don’t believe Tyson Fury has that type of resistance.”
Fury returned to the ring in June after two and a half years out of the ring – something Haye understands, having done similar in 2016.
Both men won two tune-up bouts upon their returns; David Haye defeated Mark de Mori and Arnold Gjergjaj, while Tyson Fury beat Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta.
However, when David Haye stepped up to face Tony Bellew, his comeback unravelled and he suffered two stoppage defeats.
The 38-year-old believes the Gypsy King’s comeback may follow a similar pattern.
When asked about the consensus opinion that Wilder will have too much for Fury when they meet, Haye responded: “I agree. I just believe Tyson Fury has not in the last three years put his body, put his mind, put his skillset in a position to give himself the best chance.
“He’s gone off the boil, he’s got his well-documented issues with mental health and drugs.
“This isn’t the ideal preparation to fight someone who’s knocked out every single opponent he’s ever faced.
“It just doesn’t marry up for giving Tyson Fury a good chance in this fight, but he’s a very awkward character, awkward style, anything’s possible with him.”
