Fragomeni prepares for Haye clash

Italian cruiserweight Giacobbe Fragomeni has cut a wide swath through a host of British sparring partners this month as he prepares for his European title challenge against Champion David Haye at London's York Hall this Friday, November 17.

"The Italians had trouble getting anyone to spar their bloke last week after he sparked out all the lads we put in there with him," said Desmond Stout, owner of a gym on the Bentilee Estate in the northern city of Stoke-on-Trent.

"One of the sparring partners was an amateur, just a kid really, but the others were either former British or Commonwealth Champions, known for being able to hold a shot."

With the winner of the Haye - Fragomeni bout assuming the number one spot with the WBC, Team Fragomeni sought to avoid media heavy London and opted instead for the relative obscurity that this industrial region affords.

"They went all over the Potteries looking for a gym and they picked mine because they said no one would ever think to look for them here," laughed Stout.

"To be honest, I thought it was some mates of mine having me on but when a lorry full of Italians popped 'round, I knew it wasn't a joke."

Having been involved on the periphery of David Haye's early pro career, Stout is well acquainted with the style of The Haymaker and expresses real concern for the European Champion when he climbs in the ring with Giacobbe Fragomeni this Friday at the hallowed Mecca of British boxing, York Hall in London.

"I used to tell Haye he needed to box more and let the knockout come but if he were here now, I'd tell him just the opposite," said Stout.

"David is going to need to try and knock this Italian out right away. If Haye doesn't get to him early, I don't think he'll be able to live in the same ring with Fragomeni."

The WBC Final Eliminator between David Haye and Giacobbe Fragomeni for the European Cruiserweight Championship will take place at York Hall in London, England.