McCline poised to beat Russian giant Valuev

Jameel McCline said this week he was poised to defeat Nikolai Valuev and claim the towering Russian's World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title tomorrow.

"The difference between us is very obvious," the 36-year-old American told a joint news conference. "I am a superior fighter, a superior boxer and my speed is unlike anything he has ever seen."

At a public training session on Tuesday, McCline drew laughter when he entered the hall punching at the sky in mock imitation of the task ahead.

"That was just a little joke to get the crowd enjoying the work-out," said a grinning McCline, adding that he had done some serious sparring with 2.18-metre tall (seven feet two inch) Julius Long in preparation for the showdown.

"All you do is find bigger guys (to spar with) because the target zones change for a fight like this. Your jab's not going to go where it would normally go for a guy who is six foot two or even six six."

Despite his clear physical advantage, Valuev said he too would not underestimate McCline, describing the American as "a hard opponent to fight".

When told that McCline considered himself to be the superior boxer, however, Valuev seemed unperturbed.

"Well, of course he can think that," said the deadpan Russian, letting slip a rare smile.

This weekend's contest is the first world heavyweight title fight to be held in Switzerland and is being described by organisers as the biggest and heaviest title fight in the sport's history.

The 2.13-metre (seven feet) tall Valuev is expected to weigh in today at around 150kg (330.7 pounds), giving him a 30-kg and 15-centimetre advantage over McCline.

Florida resident McCline has lost six of his 47 previous professional fights, including title bouts against Vladimir Klitschko and Chris Byrd.

Marciano's record

Valuev, 33, from St Petersburg, who is three fights away from equalling Rocky Marciano's record of 49 consecutive wins, said he would not let his desire to beat the record stand in the way of a possible reunification fight with any of the other three major belt holders.

"I'd never really thought about Marciano's record until the press started talking about it but now I'm thinking about it a lot," Valuev said.

"It will be very interesting and a great challenge to break the record but it's also important that I do it by fighting strong boxers. I would never turn down the chance to fight someone like (IBF champion) Klitschko just because I might endanger this record."