 Alexander Gurov defends his EBU crown against David Haye |
Gurov's manager Philippe Fondu, points to his charge's 12-year long professional career, and the 43 fights packed into it, and feels both factors will be pivotal against Haye.
"David Haye is a very good boxer, indeed," said Fondu. "He's a very fast boxer, with fast hands and feet - and he can also punch. But he doesn't have the experience Gurov has and I believe Gurov will try and make his experience tell on Friday.
"This will be Gurov's eighth European title fight - and don't forget he has also boxed twice in America for world titles. He has boxed against all styles - all kinds of boxers and punchers - and will cope with Haye's style."
A renowned fast-starter and sledgehammer puncher, Haye has iced 14 of 14 beaten foes inside schedule. Despite his reputation, however, Fondu is not taking Haye's expected fast start as a given.
"In Haye's last fight (against Vincenzo Rossitto), he didn't start very fast and took his time more, so it is hard to say whether he will make a fast start against Gurov," Fondu explained. "Whatever Haye does, I believe Gurov has the experience to cope with it.
"Gurov sparred with Haye about two years ago and he remembers David Haye very well and remembers him as a good, fast boxer. Gurov knows he is up against a good fighter, and has prepared accordingly. Gurov has also seen tapes of David's last two fights, so has been studying him and knows what to expect.
"Gurov has had seven weeks preparation, and has known about the fight for even longer, so we feel he is well prepared for this title defence."
Having not defended the European title since winning it in November 2004 against Italian Vincenzo Rossitto, Ukrainian Gurov is simply delighted to be back in a high-profile title affair. Since the Rossitto cuts win, Gurov has boxed three times in low-key contests in his homeland, and has been itching to get back defending the EBU belt he has won three times in total.
"Gurov has been struggling to defend his title because whenever he had a defence scheduled the other boxer withdrew," Fondu explained. "First he was supposed to defend against Rossitto - in the rematch - but he pulled out after the purse bids, and then it was Vincenzo Cantatore, who decided to box Johnny Nelson instead.
"Gurov is just happy to be active again now and defending his title. Going to England to defend it doesn't bother him at all. He has fought in foreign countries many times, and has been to England before, too."
Gurov's previous trips to the British Isles saw him bludgeon Trevor Small in October 1997, and then four months later get blitzed inside a round by big-banging Londoner Terry Dunstan. Noted as an exciting, bang-out or be banged-out puncher, Fondu feels Gurov has the tools at his disposal to end Haye's dreams.
"He's a strong puncher," Fondu said. "A tremendous puncher. He's won most of his fights inside the distance against decent opponents. If you compare his record to other boxers, his record shows he is a big, strong puncher - one of the best in the world.
"He's also a southpaw, and a well-schooled boxer who had a good amateur background in the Eastern bloc. So he has a lot of advantages going into this fight on Friday."
Ruiz-Valuev press confernece wrap!
