Former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye has revealed which man hit him hardest during his 32-fight professional career.
Haye established himself as one of the biggest punchers in the cruiserweight division during the 2000s, with his first 16 victories all coming inside of the distance, as the Bermondsey-born operator announced himself on the big stage.
In 2007, Haye knocked out Jean Marc Mormeck to get his hands on the unified WBA and WBC cruiserweight world titles, with his only defence of those belts coming in a title unification against WBO champion Enzo Maccarinelli, before moving up to heavyweight.
The Brit needed just one fight before challenging Russian giant Nikolai Valuev for the WBA heavyweight world title and claiming a majority-decision win. He defended that belt twice, then suffered a second career defeat, losing a wide decision to the legendary Wladimir Klitschko.
Speaking to Jack Figg, Haye admitted that the imposing Valuev was the biggest puncher he ever faced.
“Valuev [was the hardest puncher that I faced]. The few shots that I did take from Valuev, it was noticeably different. Because he was so big, seven-foot [and] 150 kilos, he didn’t have to load up with punches. He is just naturally bigger so he kind of just flicks his arm out.
“I noticed that very quick, he wasn’t as slow as I hoped he would be. So, I had to really, really stay switched on to not feel that power.”
Haye retired with a record of 28-4 after consecutive defeats to Tony Bellew, with injuries hampering him in both of those losses.
