WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE: David Haye v Nikolay Valuev
Venue: Nuremberg Arena Date: Saturday, 7 November (Fight expected to begin about 2130 GMT) Coverage: Sky Box Office from 2000 GMT (pay-per-view), commentary on Radio 5 live from 2100 GMT, coverage on BBC Sport website
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Britain's David Haye has vowed to become the first man to knock out WBA heavyweight champion Nikolay Valuev. Haye faces the 7ft Russian at Germany's Nuremberg Arena on Saturday. "The combination of my hand speed and Valuev's immense head is going to cause an explosion. This is my chance to make history," said the Londoner, 29. "I've dreamed of the moment Valuev falls to the canvas and I truly believe it will be one of the most jaw-dropping knockouts of all time." Valuev has lost only once in 51 fights and stands nearly a foot taller and approximately 90lb heavier than his British opponent, who also has just the one defeat from his 23 bouts. But despite the difference in size, Haye is confident of becoming Britain's first heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis retired in 2003.  | 606: DEBATE |
Haye added: "Valuev has never been properly hurt before, let alone knocked down or out, and I'm now being given a chance to become the first fighter to bring 'The Beast' to his knees. "I love punching things and a man of Valuev's size gives me plenty of target to hit. "Winning any fight by KO is a bonus, but being in a position to knock out a giant is an exciting proposition." The fight has generated huge interest in Germany, where it is being staged, as well as across the Atlantic in America. Former cruiserweight king Haye believes he is reinvigorating the heavyweight division. As a result, he feels he has huge support in the USA and that the country is backing him to defeat his Russian opponent. "The Americans have taken to me, they like my attitude," said Haye. "And obviously I'm fighting this big, hairy Russian fellow so I know who they are going to back!" "They are going to be behind me and you're going to see something special."
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