Monte Barrett Backs Haye To Conquer Klitschko

By Scoop Malinowski

Former world heavyweight title challenger Monte Barrett is a common opponent of both David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko. The American boxed Haye in late 2008, and also boxed Klitschko a decade ago, while also serving as a sparring partner more recently.

“I was in camp with Wladimir for a month. The guy is a serious guy, he trains really hard. And his brother is the truth. David Haye is also a true champion. In the heavyweight division I don’t see anybody who can contest with them at this point. I really don’t. But one thing I say in life is, Don’t count nobody out.”

Barrett was impressed with Haye and sees the colorful and outspoken Brit as a potential heir apparent to the Twin Ukrianian Towers.  “I think David Haye has the potential to dominate. Everybody talks about his chin but we all get dropped in boxing. This is a hurt business. I think he has the personality and energy the heavyweight division needs.”

Barrett admits to being impressed by Haye, despite losing by stoppage.  “I am (impressed) . Even though I lost, I’m not mad at him. He’s the young lion, he did his thing.”

Sharing the ring with Haye and engaging in pre-fight hype and requisite psychological warfare, Barrett made some observations:  “Smart. He’s a smart fighter. His preparation. He and Adam Booth. There’s a method to their madness. They threw me off guard. I thought he was gonna come out and fight one way. He came out and fought a totally different way. I thought he was gonna be more aggressive and fight more straight up and he fought from a crouch position. His right hand wasn’t really a threat. It was his left hook. After the fight, when I analyzed everything, I thought he was a very smart fighter. I wasn’t sold until I saw Adam Booth on the stilts when he fought Valuev [laughter]. I said, this guy is the truth. Very smart. Because the way he prepared. So I think David Haye has the potential to really do something in the heavyweight division, I really do.”

Beat the Klitschkos?

“I think he can beat Wladimir,” Barrett stated. “I don’t know if he could beat Vitali but I think he can beat Wladimir. He’s sneaky. He’s just as smart as Wladimir. The Klitschkos are smart, they are doctors. I think David Haye has what it takes, out of all the heavyweights, to beat Wladimir.”

Haye will challenge Klitschko in Germany on July 2.