Showtime Saturday Special flew over the big pond to jolly old
London town for a cruiserweight unifier between multi-title holder David Haye in
possession of the WBA/WBC baubles and Enzo Maccarinelli owner of the WBO strap.
The venue the O2 Arena, London, England - and a packed house
in attendance at the ready to root, root, root for its hometown favorite Haye
over the visiting Welshman.
Having never seen either champion in action I quickly
searched for the intangibles - on paper all appeared equal in size at 6-3 in
height and in matching ages 27. The rap sheet gave no clue with Haye entering at
20-1 with 19 stoppages and Maccarinelli sporting a sparkler as well at 28-1, 21
by knockout.
Commentators Steve Albert & Al Bernstein offered us unknowing
souls what to look for from the respective power punchers - Haye the big right
hand and Enzo the left hook - then a caution to not run to the ice box, since
both not only punch with power but do battle with matching chin construction
imported from the Orient.
Then the opening bell with both looking to counter - and we
get three minutes of ice box time with neither seeing anything to counter.
Still, edge to Haye - then stanza two and the rest of the story - Haye with look
of confidence and Maccarinelli the more tentative - and late in the stanza a
Haye right hand sets up a flurry and the visitor from Wales is down.
Enzo beats the count but has no legs, and referee in charge
John Keane is on the money with the stoppage at 2:04 seconds of round two.
Closing thoughts: Saw enough from now three-belted David Haye
and last night’s victim Maccarinelli to arrive at conclusion, if this is the
best of the lot the division is badly in need of going on life support.
GEL