FORMER two-weight world champion David Haye criticised Keighley boxer Muhammad Ali for 'screaming' during his latest convincing win on the big stage.
Ali outpointed journeyman Jamie Quinn with ease at the Church House, but has come in for some stick after groaning loudly every time he threw a punch.
British legend Haye, who was working as a pundit on the BT Sport TV broadcast, believes this needs to change if the ex-Olympian wants to move through the levels.
"He screams before he punches," the retired heavyweight said.
"A lot of people exhale a grunt and a groan as they punch, but he does it before he punches which is a massive tell.
"The art of knocking someone out is hitting them when they are not expecting it. If you scream before you do it, they are going to be able to defend it."
"He screams before he punches..."
— Boxing on BT Sport 🥊 (@BTSportBoxing) December 5, 2020
"The art of knocking someone out is hitting them when they're not expecting it..."
"If you scream before you do it, they're going to be able to defend it!" 🤷♂️
David Haye offers some advice to Muhammad Ali 👀 #YardeArthur pic.twitter.com/3zOYPeBDVs
It was a good test for the 2016 Team GB boxer on his second professional outing. His first came back in February when he beat Bulgarian Stefan Sashev through a disqualification.
Quinn is renowned for giving prospects a hard night's work, only being knocked out on three occasions in his 105 previous defeats.
Therefore, the question would always be around whether Ali could join Kane Gardner, Sam Maxwell and Anthony Cacace on that list.
The 24-year-old was relentless in his pursuit for the stoppage, stalking the heavily protected 'Devil Child' around the ring.
Body shots were aplenty under the elbows of the gloves-up style Quinn came to Westminster with.
Sometimes the esteemed amateur was guilty of rushing in but it is hard to blame him for wanting to impress on such a big bill, headlined by Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur's domestic dust up.
The Stockport survivor managed to get the odd shot off too warn his opponent. Although, these were easily taken as Ali continued coming forward.
With the pair both coming in over 134lbs, it was not the usual featherweight contest which Ali will expect in his career, and you could tell, with his punches not carrying the desired power.
Nevertheless, his boxing skills were for all to see in a 60-55 points decision victory.
On Ali's performance, Haye added: "I liked what I saw.
"He was trying a bit too hard, maybe try ease into it a bit. Let that jab open up.
"He was trying to force his way through against Quinn who has been there, said it and done it.
"He was able to see everything that was coming his way and ride it for a comfortable points loss."
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