David Haye defends his WBA heavyweight title against John Ruiz this Saturday at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England. The action kicks off at 4 pm ET with an undercard featuring George Groves vs. Charles Adamu, Ajose Olusegan vs. Colin Lynes, and Jamie Moore vs. Sergey Khomitski. Come back to Inside Fights on fight day for live coverage of the event.
David Haye vs. John Ruiz
(WBA Heavyweight Title)
David Haye, 23-1 (21 KOs), is undefeated since moving up to heavyweight in 2008, although that has only been two fights. Haye captured the title in his last fight, a majority decision over Nikolai Valuev. Most of Haye’s time as a heavyweight has been spent backing out of fights with the Klitschko brothers, which seems like his inevitable destination should he retain his title this Saturday. He faces a durable veteran in John Ruiz, who has only been knocked out once in his career. Haye will be faster and stronger than the challenger but he’s suffering a from a severe setback in ring experience. Haye has the physical advantages, but John Ruiz has found ways to beat better heavyweights than David Haye.
John Ruiz, 44-8-1 (30 KOs), is no stranger to heavyweight title fights as he has muddled the scene for the last ten years. Despite winning only three of his last six fights, Ruiz is still a capable heavyweight that causes problems for many. He never gets dominated in a fight, which can easily be attributed to his clutching style that fans detest so much. Ruiz has worked hard to distance himself from his reputation but a slow, prodding fight may be the best strategy for him against Haye. Ruiz is too old and too motivated to be worried about anything other than winning the title, so expect the 38-year-old to revert back to his old tactics in an effort to recapture a piece of the heavyweight championship.
Staff Predictions
Corey: Can John Ruiz spoil the excitement that David Haye presents to the heavyweight division? If anyone knows how to stink out the joint, it’s Ruiz. And that’s what he’ll have to do to beat Haye. But that won’t happen. Look for Haye to execute a poor man’s version of Roy Jones’ game plan against Ruiz in 2003, landing power shots and getting away before Ruiz can pin him down. And just in case he needs it, Haye has home turf, which likely means a referee who won’t let Ruiz hold. With Ruiz’ best offense taken away, Haye will land often enough to convince the judges he’s won a comfortable decision, 116-112, and maybe he’ll score a knockdown on the way.
Will: David Haye should win this fight. He’s got good footwork, a decent chin and great power in his hands. John Ruiz is a capable fighter but regardless of the hat he’s wearing the older man lacks the speed and style to hang and bang with the Hayemaker. And yet…I’m starting to get that sinking feeling. I just finished watching Sky’s first countdown special and even THEY are reporting that people in Haye’s own gym think he’s doing too many celebrity appearances and looks flabby. British commentators are nervously talking about Haye no longer working under the ‘discipline of the scales’ as he previously did at crusierweight and worrying that Haye may be trying to bulk up too fast. I believe that Haye should win. I want Haye to win. But I have the horrible feeling that Ruiz may well win.
Trent: Haye is obviously the more skilled fighter but like Will, I have a gut feeling that Ruiz may play spoiler once again. He’s been spoiling the heavyweight division for years so why stop now? Unlike Will, however, I will make a clear prediction. Those crafty Brits. More will be learned about Haye’s physique at the weigh-in but for now I will assume he’s taking things seriously. I don’t see Haye getting the knockout but he will get the win. Ruiz will keep it close but Haye will do enough to win. 116-112.
Bryan: David Haye vs. John Ruiz might as well be called Friday the 13th, part twenty. John Ruiz is a lot like Jason Vorhees, you just can’t seem to kill the guy off. That’s gonna be the task for Haye in this fight. Having said that, Haye should win this fight by decision. He is younger, faster, and can box well enough to cruise to a comfortable decision. Haye’s biggest liability may be his chin, but I don’t see it costing him in this fight. I see him surviving whatever Ruiz has to offer, and dishing out enough punishment of his own to set up a Klitschko date.
