David Haye says Deontay Wilder hits harder than any heavyweight he's ever faced. The former unified cruiserweight world champion shared his experience of being hit by both Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko in a recent interview.
Haye knows a thing or two about power punchers. He held three of the four major world titles at cruiserweight in 2008 and was seen as the best in the division. He then moved up to heavyweight and won the WBA title by beating Nikolai Valuev in 2009.
In 2011, Haye lost his belt to Wladimir Klitschko in a unanimous decision. He also sparred with a young Deontay Wilder when the American was still a prospect.
Haye told iFL TV about his experiences with both fighters:
"I truly think he's the hardest punching heavyweight ever. Sounds like an exaggeration but I've been hit by Wilder in sparring, and I've been hit by Klitschko on the chin with 10 oz gloves."
He went on to explain how Wilder's power stood out:
"There was more effect from Wilder hitting me on the top of the head with 18 ox gloves on, me wearing a head guard, and it wasn't even clean, it was just glancing, but I felt that more. I thought afterwards, this guy is going to do something."
Haye felt Wilder's glancing blow more than Klitschko's direct hit, even with all the protective gear on. That's saying something.
Wilder's power has been clear throughout his career. He's won 42 of his 43 fights by stoppage. But he's had a tough time lately, losing twice to Tyson Fury by knockout. He also lost on points to Joseph Parker last December and was stopped by Zhilei Zhang in June.
The American is expected to return to the ring in April. An official announcement should come any day now.
As for Klitschko, at 48 years old, he's thinking about a comeback. There's talk of a rematch with Tyson Fury. We'll have to wait and see if that happens.
