Haye-Kelly Prepare for Cruiserweight Showdown
by
Robin York
2/28 - On the undercard of light heavyweight Clinton Woods' fourth world title attempt against Rico Hoye, Bermondsey prospect David Haye enters a risky fight against Australian Glen Kelly in a match-up of cruiserweights.
Kelly, 32-2-1, will best be remembered for being knocked out by Roy Jones Jr. back in February 2002 for all of Jones' light-heavyweight titles at the time. Jones threw a punch from behind his back which put Kelly out for the count, which has been replayed many times. Since then, Kelly has moved up to cruiserweight and most recently won the OPBF Cruiserweight Title with a 12-round decision win over Peter Kariuki Ngateri.
For 24-year old David Haye, this will once again be a big step up in class as he has only had 13 professional fights winning 12 of them. His only loss, back in September of last year, was when he challenged veteran warrior Carl Thompson for the IBO Cruiserweight title in only his 11th fight. Many thought he would be too young and powerful for the former WBO Champion, but Thompson took everything Haye had to offer before eventually flooring and stopping a tired challenger in the 5th.
A great win for Thompson, but still credit to Haye for his willingness to challenge the champion with so little experience and to give great value for money. By fighting Kelly, again Haye is showing great ambition by fighting a genuine fighter at an early stage in his career.
Many people think Haye shouldn't of fought Thompson who was so vastly experienced, but I believe it's best to learn from a losing fight than to gain nothing from an easy win.
The Bermondsey man did look like had learnt a bit more in his most recent outing, a 3-round retirement of old war horse Gary Delaney. Haye looked more controlled in the way he picked his punches, but can he fight like that another level up? He did to a degree against former champ Arthur Williams but he was a faded fighter by that time regardless of Haye's stopage win.
I don't believe Kelly is a faded fighter and although he may be more of a light heavyweight than a cruiserweight, I'm certain he will come to win. Kelly only has lost to Jones and current WBC #1 rated Paul Briggs, who will be fighting Tomasz Adamek for the vacant WBC light heavyweight title on May 21st. Kelly also holds a points win over IBF #1 rated middleweight contender Sam Soliman and is coming into this fight off a 3-fight winning streak.
Kelly could cause problems for Haye, but will he be able to take the youngsters power, considering he has been stopped twice at a division lower? Tune into Fight Academy's March 4th show to find out!
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