• Boxing

Haye my toughest test - Klitschko

ESPN staff
June 7, 2011
Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye will put their belts on the line in Germany © PA Photos
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Wladimir Klitschko is happy with how his preparations are going for his title fight with David Haye, but he has conceded the Brit is the biggest challenge of his career.

The Haye and Klitschko camps finally shook hands on a deal to put their respective versions of the heavyweight title on the line in Hamburg on July 2. The trash talk has been prominent in the build-up and Klitschko has talked positively about taking Haye 12 rounds before knocking him out.

However, in a refreshing moment of honesty the Ukrainian - who has lost three of his 58 fights - has admitted Haye will be the biggest test of his career.

"I am very happy," Klitschko told Sky Sports News. "I am in the second week of sparring; I have been in this camp many times. The Austrian air is nice and I like it here because you are away from everything. There are no distractions and you can work on getting in shape. I am looking forward to July 2nd.

"It has been 58 times I have prepared for fights, I have faced guys who are fast and slow, short and tall, and I am preparing for David Haye now.

"We can discuss about it but I will face one of the best fighters. He has heavy hands and is very fast. We can have all this hot air on the sides, but I am preparing for the toughest opponent I have ever fought.

"How many rounds it takes we can speculate. It is my wish to go through all 12 rounds and to knock him out in the final round. But we will see."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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