David Haye vs. Wladimir Klitschko Fight Set for July 2 in Hamburg, Germany

The long-awaited fight between WBA heavyweight champion David Haye and IBF/WBO  champion Wladimir Klitschko has been set for July 2, at the 57,000 capacity Imtech Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

David Haye (26-25-1) and Wladimir Klitschko (52-49-3) came to an agreement to fight last month, but left the date and venue of the fight undecided pending further talks.

Finally, the date has been set with Imtech Arena as the fight venue.

Klitschko's German manager, Bernd Bönte, said: "It is confirmed, 100 percent." He also said the date and venue were agreeable to Haye's trainer and adviser, Adam Booth.

"I'd fight him anywhere, so long as the location comes with a ring and a ref that can count to 10," said Haye.

"By the time I've finished with Wladimir, he won't know where he is anyway."

In 2009, Haye pulled out from a fight with Klitschko due to his back injury. Since then, talks between the two camps have collapsed.

"I always believed we'd one day fight and I'm glad we've cut through the nonsense and put together the most important fight in the heavyweight division," said the 30-year-old Haye, who plans to retire in October.

"This is the match the boxing world has been calling for since I first decided to step into the heavyweight division, and I feel it is my destiny to fight and beat Wladimir Klitschko. We are the best two heavyweights in the world and it would have been a travesty for us to have never fought.

"Hamburg is an accessible city for a lot of British fans, so I'm expecting a huge turnout for what is undoubtedly the biggest boxing event of the year," he added.

"I think every city in mainland Europe and beyond wanted to stage this fight, and that shows just what an appealing event it is.

"I've said from day one that I am Wladimir's toughest opponent to date, and I stand by that.

"Wladimir has a history of being knocked out by fast punchers, and I punch faster than every other heavyweight in the world. I'm also dedicated, disciplined and ambitious, unlike many of Klitschko's previous opponents.

"I've got no doubt Wladimir will freeze like an iceberg when I hit him on the chin in Hamburg. He won't know how to react, will panic, attempt to run for cover and then realise big brother Vitali is in the corner mopping up tears with a white towel."

As the two most popular heavyweights secure their fight plans, the "Tale of the Tape" shows Wladimir Klitschko has a marked advantage in build and in almost all physical aspects, except that Haye is four years younger than Klitschko, who is 34 years old.

Klitschko, who stands at 6'6", is 3.5 inches taller than Haye. Likewise, Klitschko has a three-inch advantage in reach over Haye.

Klitschko and Haye agreed on a 50-50 purse split.