• Heavyweight

Tyson tells Haye to get back in the ring

Mike Tyson: Boxing great turned actor © Getty Images

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Boxing legend Mike Tyson has urged David Haye to focus on his boxing in order to make the most of his talent.

Haye retired after losing on points to Wladimir Klitschko in July 2011 but returned to the ring to beat Dereck Chisora and is hunting down Klitschko's brother Vitali.

There is no suggestion that a fight with Vitali is on the horizon and rather than remain in inactivity, Tyson feels Haye would be better served sharpening his skills in the ring.

"David should continue to fight because he's a young guy," Tyson told Sky Sports News. "Fighters have big egos and are delusional and look upon themselves as bigger than we are. I think David Haye fought a great fight against Klitschko. I thought he would be obliterated. But he should not think about retiring, he is a young guy and he is not fighting often enough.

"He must have a lot of money. When I fought, I was fighting as often as possible. I fought 15 times in one year. It is what you do for a living.

"He should continue to box and box and get better and better. The more you do it, the better you will get."

The heavyweight scene is dominated by the Klitschkos, but their methodical style does not appeal to all. The Ukrainians lack the explosiveness of a Tyson, but he is full of admiration for the brothers.

"They should dominate," Tyson said. "They have learnt their craft and overcome adversity.

"People want to see very exciting guys, knocking guys out. People want barbarism and blood. But I love what the Klitschkos are doing. They beat people, they inspire people and they're erudite, they show you don't have to be brainless to be a boxer."

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