By Mark Vester

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko appeared on the Ringside program with Ed Robinson to discuss his upcoming title defense against Shannon Briggs on October 16 in Hamburg, Germany. During the interview, he was asked about his British rival, WBA champion David Haye. Vitali still views Haye as a fighter who is running from the Klitschko challenge.

"You know, David Haye talks too much," Klitschko said. "David Haye understands; he's smart enough to understand that he's world champion, so long as he doesn't fight the Klitschkos. A fight against a Klitschko - Wladimir or Vitali - means he will be knocked out.

He gives Haye credit for being fast, and being strong, but Vitali doesn't see Haye as being fast enough, or strong enough, to present a serious threat.

"David Haye has good speed, but not so much speed to be quicker than the Klitschkos. David Haye doesn't have the power to knock out Wladimir or Vitali - but the Klitschkos both have speed and power. Let's go, champion against champion, see who is the strongest one. We have talked so long, the audience has waited so long... let's do it," Klitschko said.

Haye defends his WBA title against Audley Harrison on November 13. Wladimir Klitschko will return on December 11 to defend his WBO/IBO/IBF titles against likely opponent Derek Chisora.

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com