After years of negotiations, plans, and fighters backing out, David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko finally agreed to meet and they’ll square off on Saturday in Hamburg, Germany. Haye really caught Wladimir’s attention in 2009 when he wore the shirt pictured above to a press conference for their potential fight, one that shows him decapitating both Klitschkos in the ring (never underestimate the power of trash talk). Whether or not Wlad is playing along in the promotional game to hype up the fight I don’t know, but he says he’s offended by Haye’s pre-fight behavior and it seems to be legitimate.
During a press conference to promote their fight Monday, David Haye said “This is going to be the most brutal execution of a boxer that you’ve seen for many, many years. I’m going to go out there and absolutely destroy him, really quickly.”
The “brutal execution” comment apparently didn’t sit well with Wladimir who said it crossed the line.
“This game, this sport, is very intense and unfortunately there have been a lot of cases where people have been handicapped and people have died during and after fights,” Wladimir said. “It’s not something you can joke about to promote yourself. It’s something you do not say.”
Klitschko also said he hopes Haye is in good health after the fight and that he doesn’t end up in the hospital.
There’s little doubt Wladimir wants to crush Haye in the ring and win the match, but he’s a proper sportsman and not wishing ill on his opponent. By responding with comments like that, it really plays up the whole good vs. bad angle to the fight, making it much more appealing to the public. If you like sportsmen you’re going with Klitschko, if you like trash talking you’re supporting Haye. It really is that simple.
