By Ruslan Chikov
The coach for former heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev is picking David Haye to retain his WBA heavyweight title when he defends later tonight against John Ruiz in Manchester. Valuev is the common opponent for both fighters. He won two close decisions over Ruiz and lost a close decision to Haye last November. Alexander Zimin is picking youth and speed over Ruiz's experience.
"I think Haye will win. He is younger, more versatile and faster. Besides his well developed physical qualities, Haye is sturdier and more cunning than Ruiz," Zimin told Ria Novasti.
Zimin does not expect an exciting fight. He says Ruiz will revert back to his old style and make things ugly.
"Ruiz will work in his usual manner, acting dirty for half of the fight, boxing for the other half and trying to hold Haye on the ropes. Haye will be mobile and will pick the right moment to throw his power punches, but Ruiz is not that easy to hit," Zimin said.
