The Fight Is On
The gloves are on and the stage is set for what will be the biggest title defence of the decade. But when David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko enter the ring this summer, it is about much more than 12 rounds of boxing.
There is a definite score to settle, but which of the champions will win the battle?
David "The Hayemaker" Haye
Born In Bermondsey, South London, David Haye has fought his way to the top since turning professional at the age of 22.
Nicknamed "The Hayemaker" because of his boxing style, he has an impressive boxing record of 26 fights and 25 wins (23 by technical knock out).
He has proven himself to be a strong and capable heavyweight opponent taking on the likes of veteran boxer Tony Booth and Welsh cruiserweight Enzo Maccarinelli before moving up to the heavyweight division.
Once there he defeated the likes of 7ft giant Nikolai Valuev and John Ruiz before securing this dream match up with Klitschko.
David is confident that he can beat the 34-year-old Klitschko but not because of his "glass chin". The Hayemaker believes that he has the pace, athleticism and movement to be able to dodge the mighty jabs of his opponent. He also feels he has taken on stronger opponents than his rival with the likes of Valuev and Ruiz all failing to stop him.
Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko
Wladimir Klitscho is without doubt a force to be reckoned with on the boxing scene. The 34 year old has fought 55 times in an impressive 15-year career, losing only three times.
Since he began his professional career, along with his brother Vitali, back in 1992 Wladimir has remained consistent and strong.
He won his first world title in October 2000 claiming the WBO world heavyweight title from American Chris Byrd. Wladimir Klitscho is currently the longest-reigning heavyweight champion of the world.
Despite Haye being younger, Wladimir fancies his chances of being named world number one. At 6"6 he has the height advantage (Haye is 6"3). He is also the more experienced fighter with a very powerful left hook that some fear may be too much for Haye to take.
Fighting Talk
The pair have been exchanging verbal blows for more than three years with Haye recently stating that their summer unification fight will be "an inevitable fight with an inevitable conclusion" He made his point when he added: "Wladimir Klitschko is getting violently knocked out."
Klitschko has also been very vocal about his feelings towards Haye saying: "Maybe Great Britain will have the next undisputed heavyweight champion, but only after I retire."
Haye has been seeking a bout with a Klitschko ever since he moved up to the heavyweight division, but the feud between the Brit and the Ukrainian brother began much earlier than that.
The Londoner, famously sparked the war of words when he mocked Wladimir Klitschko's status as he unified the heavyweight division back in 2008.
Speaking of a bout which saw the youngest Klitschko defeat Sultan Ibragimov to unify the heavyweight belts, Haye accused Klitscho of fighting smaller opponents to get his win he smirked "These guys have got no rhythm, no speed. Klitschko was scared to throw a punch against a smaller fighter.
He went to challenge the heavyweight champ saying: "I can't wait to go and knock that bum [Klitschko] out"
In response to Haye's challenge he replied: "If you want to bring the excitement, you better get in the gym and get ready"
Those comments sparked the beginning of a bitter feud between the pair that has continued to this day.
However, the most cutting insult came at a German press conference in 2009 when Haye turned up wearing a t-shirt featuring the decapitated heads of both brothers.
This angered Wladimir who vowed to teach the Brit a lesson he raged: "First I wanted to knock him out in the first round, now I want to knock him out after twelve rounds. I hope he doesn't go down too early."
Haye later pulled out of that bout due to injury.
World Number One
After months of heated negotiations for the unification showdown, contracts have finally been signed. However this is much more than a title fight. the victor of this spectacular pairing will be crowned World Number One.
With Haye holding the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title and Klitschko with International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) heavyweight belts the two fighters hold different belts under the jurisdiction of two different governing bodies.
As Wladimir's elder brother Vitali already holds World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title, success for Wladimir this summer would mean that the brothers have completely unified the heavyweight division, something that the pair have always aimed to achieve.
Success for Haye would put a stop to that and make the 30 year old world number one instead, which would be the perfect end to his glittering career.
The 30 year old from Bermondsey, is adamant that it has always been his aim to retire when he is 31. He fully intends to hang up his gloves on the day of his 31st birthday on October 13.
Whether the spectacular showdown takes place on June 25 or July 2 their will definitely be a new world number one this summer, but will it settle their feud for good? I think that all depends on the winner.
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