By John F. McKenna (McJack): WBC heavyweight champion Davie Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) told the Telegraph Sport on Friday that he could not be better prepared for his July 2 unification title fight showdown with IBF, IBO, WBO and Ring Magazine title holder Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s).

When “The Hayemaker” steps into the ring to confront his huge Ukrainian opponent at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg, Germany before 50,000 boxing fans, it will be a career defining moment for him. The hype and buildup for the Haye – Klitschko fight is the largest for any heavyweight title fight in at least a decade. Much of the hype for this fight is the result of Haye’s ability to promote himself as a viable contender for “Dr. Steelhammer”.

As repugnant as Haye’s trash talking is seen by many boxing fans, it is doubtful that the Haye – Klitschko fight would be taking place if Haye had not resorted to such tactics.

David Haye was quoted in the Telegraph Star as saying: “I live for these moments when I am tested to the core. I’m more focused than for any other fight, and there is always an element of fear when you face an experienced champion. It has forced me into the best preparation of my career.”

Haye went on to say, “I’ve been reinvigorated in this camp, partly because the end of my career is in sight, but also because I know it’s the toughest challenge of my life.

“Everything in the build up has been so right. Often there are bumps in the road on the way through a training camp, but physically I’ve never been in better condition and mentally I’m better prepared then ever before.”

At this stage every facet of Haye’s training camp is carefully coordinated by his brain trust to allow no room for error. Haye and his manager/trainer Adam Booth take his training very seriously and go over all his activities with a fine tooth comb, including his diet.

Even the hype surrounding Haye’s quest to take Klitschko’s belts away from him seems to be managed. In the last couple of weeks British boxing celebrities Amir Khan, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe have all been dutifully trotted out to the media to predict victory for their fellow countryman. This will no doubt continue right up to the day of the fight.
Every little bit helps. Even if it has nothing to do with the outcome of the fight, it sells tickets and adds excitement to the event.