• Boxing

Klitschko trainer 'frustrated' ahead of Haye fight

ESPN staff
June 7, 2011
Manny Steward once trained Naseem Hamed and Lennox Lewis © Getty Images
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Wladimir Klitschko's trainer Manny Steward, who was once in Lennox Lewis' corner, has revealed he has a tendency to become riled by Klitschko.

While Steward is full of praise for Klitschko's fundamentals, which were honed during a decorated amateur career, he is not always impressed by the Ukrainian's attitude.

"Difference between Wladimir and Lennox is that Lennox would actually do the things that he was trained to do. Wladimir still holds back," Steward told Sky Sports News. "I definitely get frustrated with Wladimir's analytical, systematic style of boxing, and it shows in certain fights when I can't hold back. He has so much talent, but it's like a chess game with him."

Meanwhile, Steward has warned his charge that he faces the sternest test of his career to date when he puts his WBO and IBF straps on the line against David Haye on July 2.

"David Haye has a different type of energy to what Wladimir has been up against recently," Steward said. "David has the mindset, the arrogance of a champion. Wladimir has not had to experience that in a long time.

"David's explosive punching power and speed is the best Wladimir will have fought in his career. It's going to be very dangerous. I think Wladimir will systematically win, but we have to be wary of some haymakers early in the fight.

"I think in this fight emotions will come into it, which will make Wladimir a lot more aggressive than he usually is."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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