Haye continuing to talk the talk

BOXING:DAVID HAYE believes he will knock out Wladimir Klitschko by the sixth round of their world heavyweight title clash tonight. Asked for a prediction Haye said: "I'm not sure (exactly) which round yet – before six. I'd be surprised if he goes past the sixth."

The weigh-in was conducted at a sports retailer in the city centre, with Klitschko’s supporters largely kept out on his home patch due to the heavy presence of Haye fans. Many of the British boxer’s followers sang and chanted, creating a raucous and, at times, unsavoury atmosphere.

Haye does not believe that will have unnerved Klitschko, though. “He’s the champion, he’s been in this situation many times,” he said. “He’s stared into the eyes of men who believed they were going to win. He’s had enough fights to be able to handle a press conference or weigh-in so he looks confident. But once I start landing my shots and he can’t land his, I guarantee he’ll start crapping himself.

“The reception (was) tremendous, I don’t think Klitschko’s ever had to deal with having that type of reception. Every time he’s come out everyone has worshipped him and this time round he got a load of boos and jeers.”

Haye weighed in at 15st 2lb, two pounds more than when he defeated Audley Harrison last November. The 15st 8lb he carried against John Ruiz in early 2010 is the most he has weighed for a fight. Klitschko was more than two stones heavier than Haye, taking the scales to 17st 5lb.

After the pair had eyeballed each other immediately following the weigh-in, Haye was asked what he saw in Klitschko’s demeanour. “I saw someone who was ready, hungry and in shape and who believed they were going to win. My prediction is he’s going to come out a lot harder than he normally does so he’s going to get knocked out quick,” he said.

Haye claimed that with Klitschko’s superior reach he will need to box him from short range. “Without a doubt you can’t allow him to keep you at the end of his jab, you’ve got to get inside, you’ve got to let your shots go,” he said.

“This is the biggest fight in boxing, plain and simple. I think the only fight that could match it is Floyd Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao. For various reasons their fight has not happened, and won’t happen this year. I’m so proud to be involved in it and to be the guy that knocks the other unconscious is going to be a great feeling, to be the main man, at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.”

Haye said it was “unrepeatable” what he had told Klitschko during the weigh-in but the Ukrainian seemed unperturbed.

“I’ve been called a dead man walking before,” Klitschko said. “But this dead man keeps walking. And you know what? It’s okay the way Haye talks and represents himself. David Haye has been around, talking a lot, and now it is time for the talking to end. I’m angry for the last three years but it has transformed into concentration and motivation now.”

Klitschko added that he has enjoyed the atmosphere Haye has conjured up in the build-up to the fight, the biggest in the heavyweight division for years.

“I really enjoy being around David Haye, I really enjoy the press conferences and stuff because its such an exciting time in my life. To have such attention, such an opponent and such a buzz around it. I’m actually not taking that much of it in.”

Haye is convinced he needs to take control from the start, explaining: “The first round is going to be imperative. I’ve got to land my bombs and make sure he doesn’t land his, plain and simple.

“I’ve beaten bigger guys than him before, I’ve shown I can stick to the game plan. And that’s what is going to happen again. I’m not leaving it to the judges, I’ve never left it to the judges. In Germany, particularly, the support he’s got over here. I’m looking to take this guy out early.”

Klitschko’s brother Vitali, who could fight Haye if he wins, said the fight was too close to call and no expert could predict the winner. “It will not be an easy fight, and nobody in the world, no expert can predict the heavyweight decision where every punch can make the decision. Pay attention tomorrow night, it will be a big battle. Who will win, I think it will be my brother.”