MANCHESTER — David Haye plans a big statement victory when he defends the WBA world heavyweight title against John Ruiz on Saturday.
Haye took the title by defeating Nikolai Valuev with a disciplined display that went the full 12 rounds in November, but he wants to provide a more entertaining bout when meets Ruiz at Manchester's MEN Arena.
The 29-year-old Londoner has recorded 21 knockouts in 23 victories and he believes it is time to get back to his more flamboyant style.
"After what happened against Valuev I definitely feel pressure to put on something special," he said. "I'm fighting someone my own size, so that should be easier.
"Everyone knows the reason I fought like that against Valuev - it was because of his sheer size. I had used to my advantages which were speed, timing and accuracy."It will be completely different this time around - you'll see what I can do against someone who's my own size.
"I want to make a big statement in this fight by showing how a heavyweight champion deals with John Ruiz.
"I'll throw everything at him. It will be all guns blazing and I'm expecting to sizzle."
Haye's ambition of producing an electrifying first defence may be thwarted by Ruiz, whose spoiling style has increased his longevity while limiting his box-office appeal.
The 38-year-old American, who battled Evander Holyfield across three fights and 36 rounds a decade ago, could be troubled by Haye's speed but is in impressive shape.
Haye admits Ruiz has the look of an obdurate opponent.
"There doesn't seem to be an ounce of fear in Ruiz," he said. "Sometimes you can see in their eyes that they're nervous - they might pump their chest out and you can see their heart beating - but he's looked cool, calm and collected.
"I wouldn't go as far as to say I admire him but I respect him and what's he done.
"I respect that's he's been around for so long, always giving a great account of himself.
"He's always been the underdog but has usually found a way to win.
"He's not the most exciting of fighters, but this time round he's in great shape so I'm expecting fireworks."
Should Haye make Ruiz his 24th victim, he will target a lucrative showdown against either Vitali or Wladimir Klitschko.
"After this the plan is the Klitschko brothers. But nothing matters if this doesn't go the way we want it to," Haye added.
"I've got to beat Ruiz first. If I do then there are some superfights out there for me.
"I believe I'm a born winner and all I do is aspire to win. That's all I think about in anything I do in life."
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.
Source: google.com
No comments:
Post a Comment