13 years ago

Date: 2nd July 2011

Venue: Imtech-Arena, Hamburg, Germany

Title: WBA, IBF, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Titles

Promoter: Tom Loeffler

Tv: HBO, Sky Box Office, RTL & Inter

Wladimir Klitschko
( 55 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 242½ lbs

David Haye
( 25 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 210½ lbs

In a highly anticipated showdown between two heavyweight champions, Wladimir Klitschko showcased his technical superiority and ring generalship, defeating David Haye by unanimous decision to unify the IBF, WBO, IBO, WBA (Super), and The Ring heavyweight titles at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg, Germany on July 2, 2011.

The build-up to the fight was marked by intense verbal exchanges and mind games, with Haye famously wearing a T-shirt depicting himself holding the severed heads of the Klitschko brothers. However, when the opening bell rang, Klitschko proved to be the superior fighter, controlling the pace and distance with his trademark jab and tactical approach.

Throughout the 12-round affair, Klitschko consistently outboxed Haye, who struggled to find his rhythm and land significant shots. Despite Haye's reputation as a powerful puncher, Klitschko's defence and ring IQ neutralized the British fighter's offensive arsenal.

Klitschko's dominance was reflected in the judges' scorecards, with the Ukrainian winning by wide margins of 118-108, 117-109, and 116-110. The only blemishes on Klitschko's performance were a point deduction in the seventh round for pushing Haye down and a brief moment of success for Haye in the twelfth when he staggered Klitschko with an overhand right.

In the fight's aftermath, Haye revealed that he had entered the bout with a broken toe, which he claimed had hindered his game plan. However, the boxing community derided this revelation, with many questioning the validity of the excuse.

The victory solidified Klitschko's status as the preeminent heavyweight of his era, having now captured all significant titles in the division. For Haye, the loss marked the end of his career, as he announced his retirement shortly after the fight, citing his pre-existing plan to not box after his 31st birthday.

The Klitschko-Haye clash, billed as "The Talk Ends Now," ultimately showcased Wladimir Klitschko's technical mastery and testament to his dominance in the heavyweight landscape.