By Terence Dooley

David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko faced-off for the second time in two days when taking part in a London-based press conference on Tuesday.  ‘Hayemaker’ once again refused to shake hands with ‘Dr. Steelhammer’, claiming that the IBF, WBO and IBO boss cannot force him to slap palms ahead of this grudge match.

“I will shake hands right before the fight.  I am not looking at being his friend or doing anything he wants me to do – he’s a bit of a control freak.  He can’t control me.  I will do what I’m obligated to do but he has no say in what I do, including shaking his hand,” blasted the WBA titlist when speaking to Sky Sports.

“I’ve got posters of him in my gym and am normally looking at him to motivate myself to do more pads, sit-ups and training.  I can feel my blood boiling.  I’ve just got to put a cap on it for seven-and-a-half weeks.  It is not easy.  I’ve had to spend time with him for the past two days and he’s not the easiest person to be around.  But the contract said we had to do two press days and now we’ve got them out the way.”

Haye believes that the July 2nd clash is taking place at the perfect moment, with both men bringing a lot to the table going into the Imtech Arena showcase.  David, however, believes that Wlad will have to earn his respect over the course of this unification clash.

“He hasn’t earned my respect.  This time around he’s fighting someone who is young, hungry and fresh.  He’s going into the unknown.  I’ve fought these big Eastern European guys before and never in my life lost to one, amateur or professional.  His big, robotic style won’t be enough to silence or stop me,” insisted the Londoner.

“The world has been waiting for so long for this mega fight.  He says a lot of things in this Borat voice – it is hard to take him seriously.  I’ve seen him fight a lot of times and am not impressed.  I am willing to go out there and show the world who is the best heavyweight in the universe.”

Indeed, the 25-1 (23) former cruiserweight champion refused to give Wlad credit for his 55-3 (49) slate, maintaining that Wlad’s record is all filler and no killer going into his 59th bout.

“He has consistently beaten up bums time and time again.  He’s never fought anyone of my caliber.  He is going to be collecting his paycheck with half of his teeth missing,” says the 30-year-old co-challenger.

Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk