Haye Bombs Out Gurov And Takes European Title

It’s always been clear that London area cruiserweight David Haye has had bags of potential but in his big step up fight over a year ago, the hammer fisted power puncher failed to knock out IBO Champion Carl Thompson and paid the price for suspect conditioning as “The Cat” roared back and stopped Haye in the fifth. No doubt European Champion Alexander Gurov expected a full on assault from Haye but the seasoned Ukrainian southpaw never got the chance to unleash his own vaunted arsenal as he walked into a lethal left-right combination from the Englishman from which he would not recover from.

David Haye has won the European title and has done so in spectacular fashion. Gurov had gone eight rounds with hardened Frenchman and WBA Champion Jean Marc Mormeck in 2003, his only loss since 1998 when another Englishman, Terry Dunstan, rubbed out the Ukrainian in a single round as well.

While there’s no denying the gravity of Haye’s accomplishment, it remains to be seen whether or not his stamina has truly improved. With fifteen stoppages in fifteen wins, opponents just don’t last long enough to test the wind of Haye, setting up the potentially dangerous situation for the Orpington man when an opponent is encountered who, as in the case of Thompson, can take his power.

Haye wants a rematch with Thompson to avenge the loss but at forty one years of age and somewhat fortunate to have won his most recent bout, “The Cat” may pass on a second meeting with his far younger rival. Should that come to pass, Haye may have significant financial reason to attempt to clean out the domestic division as British fans have been dying to see the trio of young cruiserweight stars, Haye, WBU titlist Enzo Macarrinelli and British Champion Mark Hobson all face each other.

Regardless of what happens next, David Haye has done away with a very serious opponent and has taken a giant step towards achieving world class status.