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Haye blasts 'fraud' Klitschko during heated press call

David Haye had no time for pleasantries with Wladimir Klitschko © Getty Images

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David Haye has accused Wladimir Klitschko of being a "fraud" in the first press conference ahead of their July 2 heavyweight showdown in Hamburg.

After refusing to shake hands with his adversary prior to the media call, Haye went on to claim Klitschko hand-picks opponents who are likely to pose him few problems.

Although Klitschko has not tasted defeat since 2004, when he was knocked out by Lamon Brewster, there have been persistent doubts over the quality of fighter he has faced.

One name notably absent from Klitschko's CV is that of Nikolai Valuev, who held the WBA title on two occasions between 2004 and 2009 - and Haye believes that Klitschko was deliberately avoiding that fight.

"I've travelled before, fighting Nikolai Valuev in Germany [to win the WBA title in 2009] - someone who, incidentally, the Klitschkos have avoided," Haye said. "They said they wanted his WBA title, but it didn't happen - and I believe that was because it didn't fit the profile of a fat American guy, who they usually like to pick.

"I've seen Wladimir's style, I know what he does, how he comes to the ring - and I believe he is a fraud. The people he's fought have made him look spectacular to some but, from the fact he wears big shoulder pads in his gown to the ring, and the fact he picks guys who suit him perfectly, I'm not fooled.

"Even as a cruiserweight, I believed I could knock Klitschko out. I'm in good shape, and for the first time he is fighting someone who is healthy. He likes to pick people who are injured, or coming off long lay-offs, and this time he's got a prime athlete in his peak."

And then, having sat through Haye's blast, it was Klitschko's turn to take the stage. He made another unsuccessful attempt to shake Haye's hand - although Haye's trainer, Adam Booth, did accept the offer - and then launched his own attack.

"[You show] no respect whatsoever," Klitschko said. "I believe July 2 will be a good lesson for you on how to respect. By the way, you were tweeting before. You have a lot of followers on Twitter. Can you put out a tweet now: 'Wladimir said that David Haye is going to be my 50th knockout'."

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