• Boxing

De La Hoya expects Haye to KO Klitschko

ESPN staff
March 4, 2011
David Haye showed his knockout power by flooring Audley Harrison in the third round of their title fight © PA Photos
Enlarge

Former world champion Oscar de la Hoya has backed David Haye to KO Wladimir Klitschko if the pair agree a deal to fight on July 2.

De La Hoya, who retired in 2008 after losing to Manny Pacquiao, believes that Haye's speed could ask serious questions about Klitschko's suspect chin.

Defeats against Lamon Brewster and Corrie Sanders have left doubts over Klitschko's punch resistance - and Haye, who has an 88% KO rate from 25 fights, possesses the power to turn the lights out early, according to De La Hoya.

"David Haye's a great athlete, which is one of his advantages over Klitschko," he told Sky Sports News. "He can be one of the fighters who can knock out a Klitschko - he's that powerful.

"He's fast, a thinker, he can surprise a Klitschko, I believe. Klitschko's a great fighter, a big guy, so it's a dangerous fight for David, but I believe it's a very winnable fight for Haye."

Haye and Klitschko are locked in negotiations over a heavyweight unification battle, with reports suggesting that a deal could be signed within the next week. On Thursday, Haye revealed he was "90%" sure that the fight would go ahead.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices