• Boxing

Haye hits out at critics of Harrison fight

ESPN staff
November 18, 2010
David Haye defended his WBA title in some style © PA Photos
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A defiant David Haye has hit back at critics of his WBA title clash against Audley Harrison by insisting that he never suggested the fight would be "exciting" or "interesting".

Following two of the most incident-free rounds in memory - the referee implored them to start fighting at one point - Haye stepped it up a gear in the third, forcing a stoppage after raining down a flurry of fists on his opponent.

After Harrison vowed to fulfil his "destiny" by clinching the title, many were left frustrated by his lethargic performance. But the champion, who completed a second defence, is adamant that he was always going to "demolish" his 39-year-old challenger.

"I never said it would be competitive and I never said it would be exciting," Haye told Boxing News. "To be honest, I'm slightly annoyed that Audley managed to land the one punch he did. I truly believed I was good enough to demolish him without receiving a single blow back.

"Anybody that had watched us compete as pros for the last decade knew our styles inside out and knew what would play out once we touched gloves. I had sensed his fear at the weigh-in and knew he was petrified in the days and weeks leading up to the fight."

Haye now looks forward to potential title unification bouts against the Klitschkos, while Harrison contemplates whether or not to bring an end to his tumultuous ring career.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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