David Haye fights Russian giant Nikolai Valuev in a bid to gain the WBA heavyweight title this evening. Since moving up a weight class from cruiserweight, Haye has only fought once, beating Monte Barrett by TKO last November. Valuev, who stands at 7ft 2in, has won 50 of his 51 fights in professional boxing.

Valuev is the underdog for the fight, priced at 13/10 (bet £100 to make £130 profit). Haye is priced at 4/6, with the draw at 35/1.

Haye is bidding to become the first British heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis. Evander Holyfield fought Valuev last December, where Valuev won on a contentious points decision. Haye is likely to adopt a similar strategy to Holyfield in an attempt to overcome the Russian’s massive height and weight advantage.

The Hayemaker is 6/4 to win the fight on points, with Valuev 10/3 to do the same. The Briton should have the edge if it is referred to the judges, as concerns have been raised over Valuev’s stamina.

Haye has won 22 of his 23 fights, with 21 of those wins coming by KO, but Valuev has never been knocked out in professional boxing before. Valuev has won by KO in 34 of his 51 fights. Haye is 8/1 to win in rounds 4-6, 10/1 in rounds 1-3 or 7-9 and 12/1 to win in rounds 10-12. Valuev is at 16/1 to win in rounds 1-3, 4-6 or 7-9 and at 20/1 to win in rounds 10-12.

David Haye vs Nikolai Valuev betting odds

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