'I groomed David Haye' says Audley
Boxing’s worst kept secret was finally made public earlier today when WBA heavyweight champion David Haye and Audley Harrison revealed they will be ‘getting it on’ on November 13th at the MEN Arena in Manchester.
Billed as ‘Best of Enemies’ the heavyweight showdown - to be screened on Sky Box Office - will be a sell out and draw huge pay-per-view figures with the fight set to transcend the trade. (Can Paul write this? Yes, he can! - Ed.).
Sky commentator Adam Smith hosted the press conference table calling it 'the heavyweight announcement of 2010' and both men were quick to lay down the gauntlet promising to come out on top.
“I know what it’s taken to get here but I don’t think Audley deserves a shot at the heavyweight title” said Haye. “But fortunately or unfortunately for him depending on how you look at it there’s enough people in Britain looking forward to seeing him get finally destroyed and getting completely annihilated and that’s why this fight is happening.
“People passionately want me to finally close the curtain on the joke that is the Audley Harrison show and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Typically Audley came back with his rapid verbal combinations.
“David Haye is a guy I groomed. When I was 29 and Olympic champion, David was 19 and yes, I know David Haye very well, even though he tried to knock me out (in sparring) he never hurt me.
“What you need to realise is that this is my destiny (to become world champion) and trust me when I tell you this, my left hand at some point in that fight is going to land on your chin and trust me Audley Harrison on November 13th is the new heavyweight champion of the world no doubt.”
The two then began to argue about their fighting skills and credentials. The live SKY Sports broadcast had to be cut through both of them swearing with Haye throwing the first obscenity after Audley repeatedly claimed he would take his title.
“I’ve seen f****** cruiserweights put you down,” claimed Harrison. “Even going back I’ve seen light-heavyweights put you down.”
Haye was not about to take it on the chin and rapidly boasted he was superior at everything than his arch rival.
“I am a better athlete, I can run faster, I can jump higher.”
Sky reporter Craig Slater pleaded with them to "Mind your language, there are children watching!"
He then revealed to me afterwards that measures have to be taken or the broadcaster will foot a sizeable fine.
The trash talk has already begun and both men are supremely confident of victory.
For the first time in a long time boxing will be a main event.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
