• Boxing

Klitschko 'killed' heavyweight boxing - Haye

ESPN staff
March 28, 2011
Corrie Sanders KOd Wladimir Klitschko in the second round of their 2003 clash © Getty Images
Enlarge

David Haye has accused Wladimir Klitschko, who he faces in a unification clash this summer, of ruining the heavyweight division with his low-risk style of boxing.

The Ukrainian has used his functional technique, which uses constant jabbing to wear down an opponent, to put together a seven-year unbeaten record and claim the WBO and IBF titles.

But Haye looks significantly lighter on his feet than many of Klitschko's recent opponents, leading to suspicions that he may struggle to land on a moving target.

The Brit is also taking heart from Klitschko's suspect chin, which has cast a shadow over his career ever since Corrie Sanders turned his lights out in the second round of their 2003 clash.

"I consider him fully responsible for killing the heavyweight division," Haye told fighthype.com. "His jab [and then] hold style has hurt the heavyweight division and it's my job to fix it and clean up the division. I don't think any boxing fan around the world likes Wladimir's fights.

"I would say my hatred is at an all-time high and I'm looking to take it out on his big head. I don't want to go out there and have a jabbing contest with him - that's not what this fight is about. I'm going to make him fight.

"I see it being explosive and quick. I don't think Wladimir can hold up to the type of heat I will be dishing out on him. Whenever someone puts pressure on him, he hits the canvas pretty quickly. The reason why he's been put on the floor 11 times in his career is because whenever he gets hit hard, he hits the floor."

© 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