By James Slater: Ring magazine, IBF, IBO, WBO heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko appeared on CNN New York recently, and the ultra-confident 34-year-old, smiling as he did so, said David Haye will become the 50th opponent he will knock out. The big showdown is set for Hamburg, Germany on July 2nd, and both fighters have confidently predicted a win. Wladimir, though, has not come out with any of the trash-talking Haye has done, and he had an air of cool and clam professionalism about him as he spoke with CNN.
Looking relaxed, “Dr. Steel Hammer” said he loves a challenge in the ring and that he feels he will get one in July. Klitschko is, of course, sure he has what it takes to be able to overcome the challenge of “The Hayemaker.”
“I’ve knocked out 49 fighters, and David Haye is going to be 50th on my list,” Wladimir said. “I am looking forward to it. I will get a real challenge in the ring. I’m ready, because I’m a true professional athlete and have been doing it for so long. I love to be challenged.
“Haye is quick and his record speaks for itself – he won a lot of fights by knock out. So I will no underestimate his speed or his punching power. I’ve been in boxing for 15 years and I’m going to be close to 60 [pro] fights. I know exactly what to expect from every single opponent.”
In the opinion of many fans, it will be this great edge in experience that will make it extremely hard for Haye to win; this along with Wladimir’s great physical attributes. Haye’s critics say the WBA champ has neither the physical tools nor the mental strength to be able to derail the long-reigning world’s number-one. Haye, however, says the stuff he will bring to the ring – his speed and unpredictable power shots – will bag him the win.
“Wladimir has never faced anyone like me,” Haye has said on a number of occasions. But has Haye ever met anyone like Wladimir? Haye fans point to his intelligent, hit-and-move points win over another giant in Nikolai Vaulev as proof he can hang with a monster. But apart from his size, Valuev brought nothing close to the attributes Klitschko will bring.
With both men all but assuring a KO win, fans can expect a spirited effort from both sides. Haye is enjoying the build-up, as he lets loose with insult after insult, threat after threat. Wladimir appears calmer and more quietly confident. Will the July 2nd fight come down to which fighter it is who is able to keep his cool once the bell rings?