David Haye has insisted he has “the skill, the will and the heart” to topple Russian man mountain Nikolai Valuev when they finally meet (Haye 8/11, draw 28/1, Valuev evens fight prices) in Germany on Saturday in one of the most eagerly-anticipated heavyweight fights in recent history.

Outspoken Londoner Haye (22-1, 21KOs) witnessed first-hand the monumental task he faces when he was confronted by WBA heavyweight champion Valuev on Friday.

He stands at 6ft 3in compared to 7ft 2in Valuev and also weighed in at a career-high 15st 8lbs – before his opponent tipped the scales at 22st 8lbs.

The man dubbed the ‘Beast From The East’ has never been put down in 52 career fights and Haye feels his superior movement and hand speed will give him the advantage when he looks to realise a childhood dream (Haye 12/5 KO, TKO or DQ method of victory).

“I’ve trained so hard throughout the years,” Haye said. “I was the undisputed, unified cruiserweight champion and that’s what I want to do at heavyweight. This is my first mission, to go out there and fight this big, hairy, scary ‘beast from the east’, the so-called eighth wonder of the world, a mammoth of a man.

“It’s fairytale stuff. When I envisaged winning the heavyweight title it was against someone big, obviously, but not this big!

“But I feel I’ve got the skill, the will and the heart to go out there, knock this Russian out and bring this title back to Britain.”

Don’t miss your opportunity to check out Totesport.com’s big fight prices and round-by-round betting for the Haye-Valuev showdown.