Wladimir Klitschko has derided British world heavyweight title hopefuls David Haye and Dereck Chisora as “barking dogs” ahead of his defence against Alexander Povetkin in Moscow tonight.

Haye and Chisora, plus Haye’s future foe Tyson Fury, are all expected at ringside in the Olimpiyskiy Arena to witness a showdown which Klitschko believes has the potential to be the toughest of his career.

Klitschko swatted Haye in July 2011 while older brother Vitali out-pointed Chisora early last year – and the Ukrainian believes the manner of Povetkin’s big-fight build-up proves he is a cut above the British pair.

Klitschko said: “He (Povet-kin) is a very respectful, calm and a self-confident guy.

“There is no controversy like Haye did when he said all that crazy stuff before our fight, there’s no spitting water or slapping like Chisora did before he fought my brother.

“Barking dogs never bite and Povetkin is not a barking dog. I believe he will deliver a great performance.”

Klitschko heads into the bout on the back of a nine-year, 18-fight winning streak.

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