Valuev/Haye: What the experts think

By Phil Barnett

David Haye tackles 7ft 2ins Russian champion Nikolai Valuev for the WBA heavyweight title in Germany on Saturday.

Here, Phil Barnett asks 10 leading boxing figures for their thoughts on the contest.

Emmanuel Steward, legendary trainer and current coach of IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko: "I may be wrong, but I favour David because of the speed. He is a very, very talented fighter and when we were preparing for him to fight Wladimir I was very much amazed that he has improved so much. He is a very smart fighter, he can outbox him."

Ricky Hatton, former two-weight world champion: "David packs a lot of power and I think he can do to Valuev what no-one else has done and knock him out in sensational fashion."

Enzo Maccarinelli, ex-cruiserweight world champion and former Haye victim: "Personally I think although Valuev is the easiest of the current champions to beat it is still a massive task for David. But he's got the style, skill and power to beat him. I do feel David can beat him and if he can put Valuev down, that giant frame is going to be hard to get off the ground. I think it will be a late stoppage."

James DeGale, 2008 Olympic middleweight gold medalist: "As time has gone on I fancy his chances less and less. Valuev is humongous! If he doesn't knock him out in six I can't see it. He's not going to get a decision in Germany, is he?"

Danny Williams, former world heavyweight title challenger and British champion: "I see David Haye outboxing Valuev. He's got great footwork, he's got that cruiserweight speed and he hits pretty hard as well. That combination makes for a David Haye victory, I think."

Frank Warren, rival promoter: "An old Evander Holyfield gave Valuev a lot of problems and a lot of people thought he won the fight. Holyfield has got a good chin though and David Haye hasn't, in my opinion. I don't think he's got great stamina either. He's got to win that fight by boxing, not looking for big shots. Haye should beat him but I'm not a big fan of David Haye either. I've got to lean towards Valuev."

Frankie Gavin, Britain's only world amateur champion: "Haye is the better boxer but I think Valuev is too big and will wear Haye down. I hope I am wrong but think Haye could be stopped."

Matthew Macklin, European middleweight champion: "I think he will outbox Valuev over 12 rounds by using his speed and better skills. David will be too quick and too good."

Tony Jeffries, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist: "If David's training has gone perfectly and he's super fit, I think he can beat him. If not he could get stopped. Haye is a massive puncher but Valuev is tough to knock out, he's never been down. I'd love Haye to bring the title back to Britain. Haye on points."

Arthur Abraham, former middleweight champion, current super-middleweight contender and Valuev stablemate: "I think Nikolai is going to win. For Haye it will be difficult to come out of cruiserweight and fight a man that is as tall and heavy as Valuev. Haye is a good boxer, no doubt about that, but I believe that Niko will take care of business. He will control the fight with his long left jab."

VERDICT:
HAYE 6
VALUEV 4

You were a big enough fan to try to sign him...

I think Haye has a reasonable chance of taking a decision there. Not all decisions in Germany are robberies and Haye has what it takes to win most rounds.

If the judges are unbiased and fair then Haye should win a comfortable decision if he has a smart gameplan.

Warren never changes. He is dismissive of the opponent but still claims that the opponent will win. This way if Haye wins he doesn't have to give him credit.