Carl Froch makes bold claim about prime David Haye vs prime Anthony Joshua
Many boxing fans love to debate hypothetical matchups, even when two fighters fought in different generations. Anthony Joshua vs David Haye is one often discussed, and Carl Froch recently spoke to NewBettingSites.uk, where he was asked who would win between a prime Anthony Joshua and a prime David Haye.
The careers of David Haye and Anthony Joshua
Joshua (30-4, 27 KOs) is still an active fighter, despite damaging defeats and surviving a devastating car crash in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of his two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. In more recent years, AJ has been less active, with a win against Jake Paul the only fight since a crushing loss to Daniel Dubois. A fight with Tyson Fury remains heavily rumoured.
Haye (28-4, 26 KOs) was explosive at cruiserweight and at heavyweight. Despite ending his career with two defeats to Tony Bellew, Haye possessed devastating power, as seen against John Ruiz and when he rocked the giant Russian, Nikolai Valuev.
Carl Froch has his say on Joshua vs Haye
When asked who would win between Joshua and Haye in their prime, Froch had very little doubt:
“I fancy Haye in that. He was so quick, he had explosive power, and Joshua can’t take a punch. I don’t think Joshua actually liked it when he was fighting. I don’t think he enjoyed it.
“The Hayemaker used to lick his lips, get in there and love it. He would properly have a go. I think the tenacity of Haye and the explosive power wins it.
“People will say, “Look at Haye against Klitschko.” Klitschko was too big for him. Klitschko was cute, holding back, staying out of his way, being tricky and horrible. AJ is not that good. AJ beat a 42-year-old Klitschko who had been on the sofa for 18 months. So I’m backing David Haye to beat Joshua in a fantasy fight.”
Joshua vs Haye: The Big Fight Weekend verdict
If these two had fought in their primes, it would have been explosive for as long as it lasted. Both possess exceptional power and are brilliant finishers.
Haye’s electric hand speed and slick movement made him a nightmare for many at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Joshua is at his best when he works off his jab and lets those massive right-hand bombs go. At his best, he beat some of the best heavyweights and gave Oleksandr Usyk a tough night in their rematch.
In his prime, he punched with extremely bad intentions, but his jab would have been his most vital weapon in keeping Haye at bay; we just feel the explosiveness and power from the “Hayemaker” would have seen him stop Joshua. Do you agree with Carl Froch and us?
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Mark Robinson/Goldstar Promotions
Ricky Carroll
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.