Klitschko Out to Silence Haye

Wladimir Klitschko is out to silence David Haye and his army of fans.

Around 7,000 Brits are expected in the Imtech Arena for tonight's monumental heavyweight match-up and have already made themselves heard here in Hamburg.

Klitschko and his brother Vitali were jeered, taunted and booed by the hundreds of Haye fans who crammed into Friday afternoon's frantic weigh-in.

It is not what the Ukrainian is used to in Germany, where the Klitschko brand is worshipped way beyond the boxing world.

Haye and his small team have done all they can to upset the WBO and IBF champion this week and his fans will certainly make themselves heard in a capacity crowd.

But Klitschko, who will be in his 19th heavyweight world title fight, says whatever is thrown at him in and out of the ring tonight will not be enough to take his titles or number one rating away.

"I've been called a dead man walking before," he said. "But this dead man keeps walking."

"I've been called a dead man walking before. But this dead man keeps walking." 

Wladimir Klitschko

"And you know what? It's okay the way Haye talks and represents himself. I'll definitely enjoy the fight. It is time for the talking to end.

"It's all about the ring and the fight itself.

"There are four corners and of course the audience is going to be there with 50,000 people, but it's all about the fight, for insiders, for David Haye and myself."

Klitschko's has been in good humour all week but has showed one or two signs that Haye's antics might just have got to him.

Wednesday's media workout was the first time he looked to have had enough of the Briton and, flanked by Vitali, he was in determined mood at the weigh-in.

The psychologolical battle is the one the Haye simply has to win, because physically he faces a daunting task.

Klitschko weighed in at 17st 4lb 8oz, two stones heavier than the man with the WBA belt and he will also tower over him by four inches and has the longer reach. He looked more muscular than ever at the weigh-in and is adamant his power will be too much for the former cruiserweight.

He is the firm favourite and is in doubt Haye and his army will be heading home with nothing but memories.

"What is going on outside will be enjoyable for the fans I guess," he said. "David Haye is going to be number 50 knockout on my knockout list."