Wladimir Klitschko Says David Haye and Anthony Joshua Would KO Tyson Fury

Wladimir Klitschko has stoked the fires ahead of his clash with Tyson Fury by claiming the Englishman would be knocked out by compatriots David Haye and Anthony Joshua.

According to Jeff Powell of the Daily Mail, he said: "David Haye would have knocked Fury out if they had fought. Anthony Joshua would knock him out if they ever fight. Just as I will enjoy doing in Dusseldorf."

Klitschko further expanded on the qualities he believes would see Haye or Joshua emerge triumphant over Fury:

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Haye is very fast with his feet as well as his hands and that makes him difficult to hit. And despite Tyson’s size, Haye has more KO power. Fury is not a really heavy hitter.

Anthony has been here to spar with me and impressed me. He has the physique and the talent to become a major world champion. I hesitate to say he would beat Fury today because he is young and raw and we have to see how he progress his skills. But if he does the hard work, he can knock him out in the future.

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Fury, 27, has won all 24 of his bouts with 18 coming via a knockout. Joshua has won by knockout in all 14 of his professional fights since turning professional after winning Olympic gold in London 2012, while Haye has lost just two fights—one of which was at the hands of Klitschko.

The Ukrainian's opponent took to Twitter to fling barbs back at Klitschko and express his confidence of triumphing when the two step into the ring on November 28:

Fury also shared a bizarre attempt to intimidate the 39-year-old:

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix is eagerly anticipating the contest, as he revealed when the fight was pushed back due to an injury to Klitschko:

Dr. Steelhammer has lost just three times in his career, spanning 19 years and 64 bouts, the last defeat coming way back in 2004.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

In the run-up to the fight, Klitschko appears much more composed than his opponent and that, along with his considerable experience, could give him the advantage as he defends his five heavyweight titles for the ninth fight in a row.

Fury isn't likely to face Haye at this point after the 35-year-old was twice forced to pull out of their arranged fight in 2013 due to injuries, and the Londoner has not fought since.

Joshua's star is firmly on the rise, however, so a clash with the 26-year-old could be on the cards in the future.

• The WBC International and Commonwealth heavyweight champion has been particularly impressive since bursting onto the scene three years ago, so Klitschko may well be correct in his assertion that if his development continues as it has done he could be more than a match for Fury one day.