Former heavyweight world champion David Haye praised Derek Chisora’s own unique style which earned him a win over Kubrat Pulev.
38-year-old Chisora defeated the veteran Bulgarian at the weekend, shown live on DAZN, and claimed a split decision victory.
Speaking after the fight on DAZN’s Beyond the Bell, Haye explained why Chisora was the worthy winner over the 41-year-old challenger.
“100% the right man won,” he began. “Derek Chsiora pressed the action, he landed significantly more punches, particularly to the body.
“The fight went exactly how he hoped it went, maybe barring a knockout. If he landed the shots he was landing, it would have dragged Pulev into a slugfest and that’s not where he comes from.
“He’s a well-schooled amateur, long range, keeps his opponent at bay with that long jab, walks them on to right hands and uppercuts, and he was unable to do that consistently tonight. He was throwing combinations and missing because of Derek’s herky-jerky style. His legs were crossed, he’s very unorthodox, very ungainly. It’s hard to train to fight Chisora because he does nothing traditional.”
Haye continued: “His hands are all over the place, but next from a southpaw position he’s throwing a lead hook. By the time they get in the ring with him they’re taking untold body shots and whatever game plan they had, they need to think of a new one.
“Now he’s the person who gets the nod when the rounds are close. He’s never been that guy, and if someone’s lucky enough to hear the bell, they’ll get battered.
“He’s got his own category.”