NUREMBERG, Germany — David Haye doesn't care that he's nearly 30 centimeters shorter and 45 kilograms lighter than Nikolai Valuyev. He's convinced that he will become the first fighter to floor the giant Russian.
"I've dreamt of the moment Valuyev 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 Saturday's bout against the WBC heavyweight champion in Nuremberg.
"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 Valuyev 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 2.19 meters tall and weighs about 145 kilograms, while Haye is 1.91 meters tall and 101 kgs. The 36-year-old Valuyev comes into the fight 50-1 (34 KOs) and has never been knocked down in his 16-year professional career.
"Valuyev has never been properly hurt before, let alone knocked down or out," Haye said. "And I'm now being given the chance to become the first fighter to bring 'The Beast' to his knees."
Valuyev has shrugged off Haye's trash talk.
"It's 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 don't know where he takes it from," said Valuyev's 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 that his body has taken a toll. "But it's a price I have to pay," he said.
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