by James Slater – David Haye sure has some nerve. A few weeks back (or was it months?), “The Hayemaker” had the bravado necessary to walk into a German restaurant that was occupied by Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko and throw on the table a copy of the magazine that had a mock photo inside of Haye holding Wladimir’s severed head in his hand. The whole thing so angered older brother Vitali, that he had to be restrained from going right at Haye.
Well, in a news article that has appeared on today’s Telegraph.co.uk website, it has been revealed that Haye, in Germany to attend a press conference with reigning IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, wore a t-shirt with a picture of his likeness holding up decapitated heads of BOTH brothers. Needles to say, this did not amuse “Dr. Steel Hammer” in the slightest.
Both men were in Gelsenkirchen, Germany to promote the June 20th title fight that will take place inside the huge Veltins Arena football stadium. Wladimir wore a smart suit, while Haye wore his own custom-made, and highly offensive (at least to Wladimir and most likely his fans) T-shirt. Some will say the stunt was a tacky affair, but the last time Haye showed the Klitschkos such a work of art he sure got a response. However, Wladimir has vowed to make his challenger pay dearly for his insolence.
With Wladimir sat next to him at the press conference, a confident Haye spoke about how he has declared war on both Klitschko brothers.
“I have declared war on the Klitschko family, first on Wladmir and then Vitali,” Haye said. “That is the plan and on June 20th the war will begin. I am in my prime, my resume speaks for itself. I am not coming here to pick up a pay check like the rest of his opponents. I will be here to show The Hayemaker is the best in the world.
“Make sure you get your tickets – I am going to take boxing to a whole new stratosphere. It will be the biggest heavyweight fight of all time. It will be the beginning of a legend.”
Enough has already been written about the June bout, but it looks as though Haye truly believes in what he says – and if he can deliver on his promise of victory he will then likely face older brother and WBC champion Vitali later this year. Wladimir, though, says he will rid he and his sibling of Haye when he meets him, therefore making a further meeting unneeded.
Some fans are expecting to see the defending champion make pretty short work of Haye in June, but Wladimir says he will teach Haye a lesson and then stop him very late in the fight.
“I will knock David Haye out in the 12th round,” Klitschko stated. “I understand he is a young and insolent man. I would give him some advice to control his emotions and save them for the ring. I will give him a lesson.”
The two men also found the time to pose together, with the huge soccer stadium in all its splendour in the background. Many are predicting that come fight night the massive arena will be full or close to it. Let’s just hope that after all the hype the fight is no letdown.