NUREMBERG, Germany, November 4, 2009 (AFP) - WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev said on Wednesday he will use challenger David Haye's own words as motivation to defeat the brash Englishman when the pair clash here on Saturday.

The Russian plans to let his fists do the talking at the Nuremberg Arena as Haye has regularly hurled insults his way and branded Valuev, who tips the scales at around 145kgs and is 2.13m tall, a 'circus freak'.

"His comments have been very motivating," said Valuev.

"But let's see what Haye has to offer inside the ring. I don't think he will be able to follow it up.

"But I will not under-estimate him."

This is Haye's first shot at a world title after stepping up from cruiserweight and he will be taking a step into the unknown against Valuev, but he insists he can knock out the champion for the first time in the Russian's career.

"Training has gone great and I am going to make him look silly on Saturday night," insisted Haye.

"I am going to embarrass him - knock him out.

"He's never fought anyone as fast or who punches as hard as me, or as accurate.

"I know he feels I'm a little mouthy man from England, but he's gonna be in for a rude awakening when that bell goes."

But Valuev, who has suffered just one defeat in his career with 50 wins and 34 knock-outs, brushed off any suggestions of an upset.

"He can say what he wants," said the Russian.

"I have heard that from many opponents before. It is not going to happen. I will win."

And Valuev's manager Wilfried Sauerland admitted there have been raised eye-brows in the Russian's camp as the British fighter seems to have boundless confidence.

"I don't know where he takes it from," said Sauerland.

"He is untested at heavyweight and got knocked down a lot of times in his career.

"Now he is facing a proven champion with 50 victories, so I really wonder why he is so optimistic."