David Haye aims to be first to floor giant Valuev
(AP)David Haye doesnt care that hes nearly a foot (30 cms) shorter and 100 pounds (45 kgs) lighter than Nikolai Valuev.
Hes convinced he will become the first fighter to floor the giant Russian.
Ive dreamt of the moment Valuev falls to the canvas and I truly believe it will be one of the most jaw-dropping knockouts of all-time, Haye said ahead of Saturdays bout against the WBC heavyweight champion in Nuremberg.
US boxing promoter Don King, center poses together with Russian heavyweight boxer Nikolai Valuev, left, and British heavyweight boxer David Haye, right, during the weigh-in at a shopping center in Nuremberg, Germany, on Friday. AP
Winning any fight by knockout is a bonus, but being in a position to knock out a giant is an exciting proposition.
The 29-year-old Haye, a former cruiserweight champion, is 22-1 (21 KOs) heading into his third fight as a heavyweight.
The British fighter has tried to rile Valuev by calling him a hairy freak and a circus act. He said he has been watching monster movies like King Kong, Godzilla and Frankenstein to keep my mind on the task at hand.
Valuev stands 7-foot-2 (2.19 m) and weighed in Friday at 315.9 pounds (143.3 kilos), while Haye is 6-foot-3 (1.91 m) and weighed in at a career-high 218 pounds (98.9 kilos).
The 36-year-old Valuev comes into the fight 50-1 (34 KOs) and has never been knocked down in his 16-year professional career.
Valuev has never been properly hurt before, let alone knocked down or out, Haye said. And Im now being given the chance to become the first fighter to bring The Beast to his knees.
Valuev has shrugged off Hayes trash talk.
Its nothing unusual to hear stuff like that and that someone would like to knock me out, the Russian said. But to speak a lot before the fight is easy. And everyone can do that. You have to prove it and show what you can do in the ring.
I dont know where he takes it from, said Valuevs manager, Wilfried Sauerland. He is untested at heavyweight and got knocked down a lot of times in his career. Now he is facing a proven champion with 50 victories, so I really wonder why he is so optimistic.
Haye has been sparring against much heavier and taller opponents and admits his body has taken a toll.
But its a price I have to pay, he said.