Valuev dismisses threat from Haye

WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE: David Haye v Nikolay Valuev
Venue: Nuremberg Arena Date: Saturday, 7 November (Fight expected to begin about 2130 GMT) Coverage: Sky Box Office from 2000 GMT (pay-per-view), commentary on BBC 5 live and BBC Sport website (UK only) from 2100 GMT
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WBA heavyweight champion Nikolay Valuev has dismissed the threat posed by Britain's David Haye ahead of their title fight in Germany on Saturday.

In Wednesday's second pre-fight press conference, Haye reiterated his vow to knock out the 7ft Russian but Valuev would not be drawn by the Brit's jibes.

"It's nothing unusual for someone to say they'll knock me out," said Valuev.

"It's easy to talk before the fight but he will have to show what he can do in the ring on Saturday."

Since the fight was first announced in July, a confident Haye has not pulled any punches in attacking Valuev, mocking his physical appearance, personal hygiene and regularly asserting he will become the first man to knock out the Russian.

"People cannot stand David Haye for what he has said and they asked me to tell Nikolay to take care of him"

When questioned about Haye's remarks, Valuev chose to focus instead on his own performance and promised to justify his tag as favourite for the fight in the Nuremberg Arena.

"I will try to do my best and you will get what you expect to see," added 36-year-old Valuev.

"Maybe some of the English people expect something special and I will make your expectations happen."

Valuev has lost only once in 51 fights and stands nearly a foot taller and approximately 90lb heavier than his British opponent, who also has just the one defeat from his 23 bouts.

Despite this difference in size, Haye remains confident of continuing his fine record with victory on Saturday and says he has never been better prepared for a fight.

"I've walked the walk in my previous fights and backed up my talking," said Haye. "Expect no less this time round.

"I'm in my best shape. I know the tricks he's going to bring the table and I've prepared for him.

606: DEBATE

" I think Valuev will struggle with Haye's lateral movement and heavy shots as he has never really been hit by anyone "

"He's never fought anyone as fast, as powerful and as accurate as me. "I know he just thinks I'm a little mouthy man from England but he's going to be in for a rude awakening."

The retaliation against Haye's previous barbs against Valuev came from Pavel Govzman, a consultant to promoter Don King, who claimed he had found support for the Russian to be extremely strong in America.

"There is a huge interest in this fight," said Govzman.

"People cannot stand David Haye for what he has said and they asked me to tell Nikolay to take care of him and his dirty mouth."

Such comments are in stark contrast to earlier assertions from Haye, who claims he has huge support in the USA, where fans have taken to his "attitude".

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David Haye
Nikolay Valuev
WBA
Nuremberg Arena
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