Haye promises ‘brutal execution’ of Klitschko

Associated Press

HAMBURG, Germany

WBA champion David Haye promises a “brutal execution” of Wladimir Klitschko in their heavyweight fight Saturday.

Calling the IBF and WBO champion a “robot” stuck in his “rigid ways,” Haye said he was in the best shape of his life and vowed to send the younger Klitschko brother to hospital in their bout in Hamburg’s soccer stadium.

“You are going to see the most brutal execution of a boxer,” Haye said. “I will absolutely destroy him.”

Speaking at the same news conference, Klitschko said he respects Haye as a fighter but not as a person.

“You have a certain attitude that is not so good for your life inside and outside the ring,” the Ukrainian IBF and WBO champion said.

Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs) promised to make Haye eat the T-shirt the Briton once wore depicting the image of himself holding the severed heads of the Klitschko brothers. Vitali, the elder brother, is the WBC champion.

Haye kept the news conference waiting for about 45 minutes before appearing in sun glasses and a T-shirt promising to a KO in Saturday’s fight, which had been 2 1/2 years in making.

“Be on time, princess,” Klitschko admonished Haye.

Klitschko questioned why Haye would not shake his hand. Haye said he would do it when he visits Klitschko in the hospital after the fight.

The Ukrainian also wondered why Haye did not like to share a room with him. “Look in the mirror,” Haye said.

Klitschko acknowledged that Haye looked fit and confident.

“I am going to get challenged in the ring,” said Klitschko, while adding that he planned to punish Haye for 12 rounds before knocking him out toward the end.