We are Just 5 days away from their eagerly anticipated rematch. The first two fights between the EBU British and English Heavyweight Champions ended in draws. The first fight was lacking in all departments. The second was an action packed crowd pleaser. Lets hope the third isn’t an anti-climax.
I went to watch both Champions train last week. Its safe to say, boxing fans are in for a treat. DelBrey was looking on top form and putting younger men in the gym to shame with his levels of fitness. Havey has been working on a radical game plan and was making his sparring partners look like novices.
DelBrey comes into the fight as the unbeaten long time king of the Heavyweights. He has held his British title with unheard of dominance. He looked powerful when I saw him last week. He was throwing punches with hurtful intent. He told me, “I have put everything into this camp. No stone has been left unturned. My stats are way up. I’m smashing it. I will knock Havey out, trust me. He wont be able to trade punches with me this time”.
Of course, Havey has never been knocked out. His skill set in the ring is unrivalled. His punches are simply spectacular. His back looked slightly more toned than usual and he has gained considerable leg muscle. His biceps are also larger. He told me, “I’m going to give him a master class in boxing. I am more confident than ever. Victory is reserved for those willing to pay its price. I’ve paid the price”.
I believe that both men have trained to avoid a disappointing draw. I feel that both want a knockout to win the fight decisively. Havey looked slimmer than before but had added muscle. I asked him if he was lighter at this stage than last time. He said, “No. I’m heavier”. So he has added enough muscle to make him heavier than last time. I think this proves he has trained for power and plans on knocking out the King of the EBU. DelBrey was sparring as if he was focusing on power punches. He looked around the same weight as always but possibly with bigger shoulders.
I Don’t think the fight will go the distance this time. I expect to see a knockout in the later rounds. They know each other well enough to have sussed each other out. Havey is a notoriously fast starter and will press the attack early on. I think he will look for an early stoppage before reverting back to counter punches. DelBrey will look to weather the storm to tire out his dangerous rival before doing what he does best and controlling the range.
I have changed my prediction multiple times in the build up. I don’t know what Havey’s game plan is, but I know its different. He has said, “My game plan is either stupid or genius”. I think that game plan is to hold the centre of the ring and trade blows with DelBrey. I worry for Havey for two reasons. Firstly, he seems to have trained for power. He often wins with disorientating speed. The extra muscle and power will give him less speed. Why train against your biggest strength? Secondly, he has reportedly been unwell. I have heard that he was forced to rest for 3 days in order to shift the illness that wouldn’t go away. And in the gym, just last week, he clearly had a cough. How much would this have drained him. DelBrey on the other hand has reportedly had the best camp in years. He hasn’t been injured and this will certainly give him a mental boost. I am always reluctant to predict against Havey as he has proved people wrong so many times. Although I don’t feel certain about it, I have a feeling that DelBrey will win via late round stoppage.
Either way, whoever comes out on top, the fans are the winners. We have two top class, dominant fighters who are going to come face to face to find out who is better. That’s what we want to know. Who is the better fighter?
Luke Paisley
English Boxing Union 