By John F. McKenna (McJack): For months now there have been reports circulating in the media that David “The Hayemaker” Haye (25-1, 23 KO’s) has a secret strategy to defeat Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) in their title unification fight on July 2. The claims of a secret strategy in upcoming media hyped fights is nothing new, as a matter of fact it’s kind of expected.

The claims of a “secret strategy” are usually made by a fighter who is perceived to be the underdog as “The Hayemaker” will be when he squares off with “Dr. Steelhammer”.

In the case of David Haye though, is there a grain of truth to the claims by Haye’s trainer and manager Adam Booth that there is a strategy which would give David a realistic chance to defeat Wladimir Klitschko? Over the past six and a half years Wladimir has defeated thirteen opponents and has scored ten KO’s. Every one of his opponents insisted that they had a strategy that would ensure them a victory over Klitschko. Every one of those opponents came up short by a wide margin.

The strategy that Haye will undoubtedly use is not rocket science. Just like all of Wladimir’s previous opponents he will attempt to figure out how to get past Klitschko’s powerful left jab, which is one of the best left jabs of any previous heavyweight champion. Moving in on Klitschko is like walking through a minefield. He has one punch KO power with either hand. When Eddie Chambers attempted to move in on “Dr. Steelhammer” in March 2010 he got nailed with a right hand in the 2nd round.

The punch nearly knocked Chambers out and from that point on “Fast Eddie” fought a fight of survival, losing every round and was finally KO’d with seconds remaining in the 12th round. Chambers had better than average defensive skills, but could not cope with Vladimir, whose boxing skills have been consistently underestimated by his opponents.

David Haye will most likely use lateral movement and move his head constantly in an effort to avoid Wladimir’s jab. Haye will be looking for an chink in Klitschko’s armor while he moves around the ring. When he sees an opportunity he will have to use his speed and power to move in quickly and punch in bunches. He needs to take advantage of any mistake that Vladimir makes. Haye must not only take advantage of every opportunity, he will have to make some of those opportunities happen and not be timid as so many of Klitschko’s previous opponents have been.

If “The Hayemaker” is able achieve victory over Klitschko, the window of opportunity will be very short. Perhaps he will have three or four rounds at most to pull it off. The strategy outlined above is risky of course. Moving in on someone who has the power of Wladimir Klitschko is always going to be dangerous, but trying to box him from the outside is certain to lead to a humiliating defeat.