He's too fast, too strong, too aggressive for Valuev, says Roach
Freddie Roach says David Haye will knock out Nikolai Valuev.
The legendary trainer, currently preparing for Manny Pacquiao's stellar showdown with Miguel Cotto, is adamant the Londoner will be "flatten" the giant Russian on Saturday.
Haye will be conceding almost 10 inches in height and anything up to seven stones in weight at the Nuremberg Arena, live on Sky Box Office.
But Roach is no stranger to taking down bigger opponents having recently guided Pacquiao past Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton, and believes the Hayemaker will have too much for Valuev.
"Haye will flatten Valuev, he'll crush him," he told Telegraph Sport. "He's too fast, too strong, too aggressive.
"Haye will become the first man to knock Valuev out. Sure, the big guy has shown he is resilient, and I'm surprised he can go 12 rounds without getting tired because he is so heavy, but with Haye's power and speed he's going to get KO'd."
Roach also believes that Haye is the man to spark some much-needed life into the heavyweight division.
The Klitschko brothers currently hold three of the four titles, with Wladimir in posession of the IBF and WBO and Vitali the WBC belt.
Haye has seen fights with both of them fall through and having upset them both with the infamous severed head T-shirt, might struggle to tempt them into a unification bout should he beat Valuev.
Charismatic
But Roach, who will also join up with Amir Khan shortly for his December showdown with Dmitriy Salita, says he is just the man to breathe new life into the blue riband division.
"Haye believes in himself, he talks a bit of bull, but he's just trying to ignite interest in the fight," he said. "He's young, exciting, and charismatic.
"Haye's the best thing for the heavyweight division right now, because he comes to fight, he comes to win, and he's a puncher.
"That's what heavyweight boxing should be all about. The Klitschko brothers are great boxers but they are boring. They don't take risks. You've got to go for it in this sport, and give 100 per cent.
"Manny Pacquiao is popular because he comes to exchange with you, he wants to fight. Once in a while he gets hit, but that is part of the game. Haye is the spark the heavyweight division needs right now.
"I'm sure Haye is going to win this fight. (Evander) Holyfield got a bad decision last year against Valuev, but Holyfield won that fight.
"If a shot 46-year-old Holyfield can beat Valuev, a young David Haye with speed and power means he will be the first guy to KO Valuev."