Cruiserweight cranium-cracker David Haye tonight (December 16) iced European champion Alexander Gurov in 45 seconds of the first round, to claim the prestigious EBU belt and cast his name alongside the world’s elite at 200 pounds.
The fiercely focused 25-year-old started the scheduled 12-rounder a marginal favourite, yet few expected the toxic mix of power-punchers to bring a conclusive result inside merely one minute.
Many, including the respected Boxing News magazine, realised the threat of Gurov’s own heavy artillery – which had laid to rest 33 of 38 beaten foes – and figured that should the giant Ukrainian weather Haye’s early storm, his 12-year pro experience could enter into the equation.
Yet, Haye’s blockbuster right cross – a punch that has helped mince all 14 previous defeated opponents before the final bell – wrote off all Gurov’s experience and European knowledge. All of the understanding and know-how Gurov had gained from four stints as EBU champion was erased via an arrow of a right hand.
Unbeaten in six, since his stoppage defeat to world number one cruiserweight Jean-Marc Mormeck, Gurov appeared to bring both confidence and ambition to the Bracknell Leisure Centre. The distinguished Eastern bloc amateur went eight, gruelling rounds with French hardman Mormeck – outworking and outhustling the Joe Frazier-esque champion along the way – before losing his way under Mormeck’s attack. Gurov, fatigued after setting a rabid pace, was stopped on his feet.
At world level, Gurov’s credentials were unquestionable.
The Mariopol-born champion started the first defence of his new reign as EBU king in self-assured fashion. Claiming the centre of the ring, the tall and imposing Gurov forced out his strong right jab in Haye’s direction – aware of what might come back his way.
Showing improved head movement and an ability to predict the direction of Gurov’s sprinkling of jabs, Haye weighed up the Ukrainian southpaw’s early movements, and worked his way inside the 6’5 puncher’s reach.
A straight right hand – smothered, as the world-class cruisers got close – banged into Gurov’s solar plexus, and forced the veteran titleholder to take a step back. This created room for the rangy Haye, and, within seconds, the intelligent amateur starlet exposed Gurov’s vulnerability via a left jab and booming right cross.
The stinging straight right homed in on Gurov’s unguarded jaw and sent the world-rated champion crashing to the deck. His eyes in orbit – like pinballs rolling round a pinball table – Gurov’s senses were scrambled and his belt headed to England. Gurov tried to rise at eight - his legs arguing against him - but was eventually rescued by referee Guido Cavalleri, as he began to realise what country he was in.
A respected, well-equipped beltholder, Gurov’s record now plummets to 38-5-1 (33) following this shocking setback. Meanwhile, the buoyant Haye rubberstamped the quality of his punch-power on the world stage, and also progressed his quality opposition-packed record to 15-1 (15).