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Roach backs Haye to 'undermine' Klitschko's confidence

Freddie Roach believes David Haye's speed will cause Wladimir Klitschko problems © Getty Images

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Top trainer Freddie Roach believes David Haye has a brilliant chance of beating Wladimir Klitschko, if he "undermines his confidence early in the contest".

Roach, who trains current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, feels there are weaknesses in Klitschko's technique - particularly when facing smaller, aggressive opponents - which Haye can exploit when the pair battle it out in their heavyweight unification clash in Hamburg on July 2.

"The key to this fight for Haye is to take Wladimir's confidence away, and do it early," he told the Daily Telegraph. "Take him out of his comfort zone.

"I think Haye has a great opportunity if he goes out there early and uses his power, and tries to take Wladimir's confidence away. That's the best way for him to fight this, but Haye needs to take that window of opportunity."

Roach has worked in Klitschko's camp, acting as an assistant trainer over four fights and he is adamant that, despite the Ukrainian's ominous-looking 6ft 7in frame, Haye possesses the "speed and explosiveness" required to cause his former charge huge problems.

"Being forced anywhere outside Wladimir's comfort zone is his greatest weakness. He does lack confidence as a fighter and we discussed it when I trained him," he said.

"I don't see David Haye as the underdog in this fight. I trained Wlad Klitschko, he is a friend, and so is David Haye a friend of mine. It's one of the best fights out there, and a good fight for the heavyweight division.

"Listen, Klitschko's a very good boxer. Once he gets into a rhythm, and gets that jab going, he's very difficult to beat because he has good power and a size advantage. He's also one of the best heavyweight athletes I've ever seen. I said to him one day - 'You're a great athlete'. But you know what he said to me? 'I wish I could fight'. The key to beating someone like that is to take their mental confidence away straight away. Haye can do that with his power, but not by boxing Wlad."

Many pundits are backing Klitschko to be victorious but a Haye triumph would be the best result for boxing, according to Roach.

"I like guys who like to fight. Haye believes in himself, he talks a bit of bull, but he's just trying to ignite interest in the fight. He's young, exciting, and charismatic. Haye's the best thing for the heavyweight division right now, because he comes to fight, he comes to win, and he's a puncher.

"That's what heavyweight boxing should be all about. The Klitschko brothers are great boxers but they are boring. They don't take risks. You've got to go for it in this sport, and give 100 per cent. Manny Pacquiao is popular because he comes to exchange with you, he wants to fight. Once in a while he gets hit, but that is part of the game. Haye is the spark the heavyweight division needs right now."

Haye, meanwhile, agrees with Roach that his best chance of causing an upset is to raid him early and make him feel as uncomfortable as possible.

"I do that by speed, by taking away his assets," he told Sky Sports. "His asset is his jab and his right hand, and I've got to make sure he that he can't implement his game plan, and I've got do that real quick. I can't allow him to feel his way into the fight, I've got to put him out of his comfort zone real quick. That's what I do best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.