David Haye v John Ruiz: Freddie Roach backs Haye to 'make a statement' -- Telegraph

By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk

The 29-year-old Bermondsey fighter defends the World Boxing Association heavyweight crown in Manchester on Saturday night against the mandatory challenger, a former two-time world champion who was once trained by Roach, who now oversees Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan.

Last November, Roach had predicted that Haye would take Nikolai Valuev to school in the ring.

In an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport, Roach said: “Haye has this fight with one of my old boxing guys. Style wise that’s a very difficult fight for anybody.

"Ruiz is a very awkward fighter - he doesn’t get knocked out, he doesn’t take chances. But the thing is if Haye can get out there and get Ruiz early like no one else has been able to, it could be great for his career. He can make a statement.

"Haye should get out there and back to his old ways - a fighter with the power to knock guys out [Haye has knocked out 19 of 21 opponents, albeit mainly at cruiserweight] and I believe he’s a much better fighter, a much more dangerous fighter when he’s aggressive.”

The strategy, Roach reckons, will be too shock Ruiz with heavy punches early. “Personally, I’d let Haye go out there and go for it from the first round. Nothing reckless, but David knows how to fight. He’s a good fighter, and the outcome of this fight can set him up perfectly for challenges with the Klitschkos.”

Roach has a theory that both Klitschko brothers, who between them hold three of main four belts, are vulnerable early. “If Haye fights them he should jump on these guys straight away and make them fear him straight away, because I don’t think he can outbox the Klitchkos. They bore me a little bit. They are friends of mine, I like the Klitschkos, but they are boring fighters, because they are so careful.

“Haye has more chance against Wladimir. Wlad is the better fighter, and my close friend, but he lacks confidence. Vitali is much more mentally strong, a tougher fighter. Vitali uses his height really well, too. But Haye versus the Klitschkos are fights the world wants to see.”

Elswhere, Audley Harrison believes Haye will lose the WBA crown if he underestimates Ruiz.

“I watched a training session of David Haye on Sky Sports and his timing is off. He’s also carrying excess weight,” said Harrison. “I know David very well and mark my words, if he doesn't blast out Ruiz early, which is possible, then it’ll be a tough night. Golden Boy have also signed Ruiz, so they are in with the winner and out with the winner.”

Source: telegraph.co.uk