Wladimir Klitschko vs David Haye Preview

For boxing junkies the heavyweight division's recent decline has been just a minor setback with the increase in talent at the lower weight classes (namely welterweight, jr. welterweight, lightweight etc.). However, for the mainstream media the question always remained: "When is the heavyweight division in boxing coming back?"

Well, ladies and gentlemen here is your big heavyweight fight. Reigning WBO, IBF and IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs) takes on current WBA champion England'sDavid Haye (25-1, 23 KOs).

Interestingly the Klitschko brothers seemed very unhappy yesterday at the weigh-in when they were subjected to boos by Haye supporters. There were loud chants of "Your just a sh*t Ivan Drago" heard from the crowd as well.

While the 200+ Haye supporters have spoken clearly, it's hard for to see David Haye's disdain for his current opponent as genuine. Haye's verbal jabs have been strategic, his goal was to get under Wladimir's skin to try to force him to slug it out come fight night.

However, I think with Emanuel Steward in the corner, there will be little strategic change. Wladimir is the bigger man (Klitschko weighed 242 pounds, 29½ pounds more than the 212½-pound Haye), with the better jab and should be able to maintain distance correctly.

Klitschko also is taller (6-foot-6½) would have a significant height advantage over Haye (6-3) not to mention the reach. Haye's advantage is with speed. Haye will be able to jump in and out around Klitschko's jab and attack with his hooks.

The most intriguing part of this fight? Two highly skilled heavyweights with questionable chins. This is what America wants, heavyweights that will hurt each other. It is almost promised that it will happen in this fight.

It isn't likely that Haye is going to win a decision because of his fighting style also they are fighting in Cologne, Germany. Just ask Mathew Macklin whether winning a decision there is possible.