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Only a chin transplant will save Klitschko - Haye

There is no love lost between David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko © Getty Images

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David Haye has told Wladimir Klitschko to get a "chin transplant" if he wants to avoid getting knocked out in their heavyweight clash on July 2.

The war of words between the pair continued on Monday at a press conference ahead of their unification fight in Hamburg, with Haye, the WBA champion, refusing to shake the Ukrainian's hand and calling him a "fraud".

Apart from Haye dishing out a few verbal barbs, the Londoner appeared unusually subdued, although the 30-year-old insists he is saving his energy for the night of the fight.

"I'm going to save the fireworks for fight night," he said. "I looked into his eyes, and I can so visualise me destroying him. Looking at him, I see him beaten, see him broken."

Throughout the lead-up to the eagerly-anticipated contest Haye has claimed, persistently, that WBO and IBF king Klitschko has made a number of demands, which if not met, would result in the bout not going ahead. One of the advantages Haye had to concede was letting his opponent enter the ring first, though the Brit is adamant being seen as the challenger will not faze him.

"I'll come in first, second, third - the referee can come in for me, I don't care," he said. "I don't believe the fight will go 12 rounds. Wladimir isn't tough enough mentally or physically to withstand 12 rounds of what I'm looking at dishing out - unless he gets a chin transplant. He'll do what he always does, he won't change. He's like a big robot, and I'm too sharp, too athletic for him."

Haye isn't the only one to have conceded ground, according to Klitschko. The 35-year-old believes the former cruiserweight champion doesn't deserve a 50-50 split but revealed he "gave in" to reach an agreement with Haye's camp.

"He wants to have 50%, which I think he didn't deserve," said Klitschko. "He's got a title but it's not impressive enough for the 50%. I gave in and gave 50% to make it happen, because otherwise it wouldn't have."

While Haye continues to aim jibes in Klitschko's direction at every opportunity, the Ukrainian said he will not be taking the Briton lightly.

"All the nonsense and hits below the line is not acceptable," he said. "There are plenty of ways to promote a fight - but not this way. I want to show a lot of respect. He has heavy hands, great speed, very motivated."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.