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Haye shrugs off ring-rust worries

David Haye is hoping to add Wladimir's IBF and WBO titles to his WBA belt © PA Photos

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Britain's David Haye has dismissed concerns of possible ring-rust ahead of his heavyweight unification fight with Wladimir Klitschko in the summer, insisting he will enter the eagerly-anticipated showdown "in the best form of my life".

Haye last fought in November, blasting through fellow Brit Audley Harrison's defences inside three rounds and, by the time he enters the ring to face Klitschko on either June 25 or July 2, he won't have fought for at least seven months.

The former cruiserweight champion is not concerned by his lack of activity, however, insisting he will "peak on the night" - when he will attempt to add Klitschko's IBF and WBO belts to his WBA strap.

"I personally dont believe in ring-rust," he told Sky Sports. "Ring-rust is something that fighters say when they've had a bad performance. Ive never suffered ring-rust. I've had big periods when I've not competed but what I do is I make sure I train hard, get quality sparring so when it comes time to the fight there's no ring-rust - I don't believe in it.

"I believe if you prepare and prepare to peak on a particular night there will be no signs of slowness, timing will be fine. I'm going to make sure I'll be in the best form of my life. Wladimir won't be able to deal with what I'll be attacking him with."

Haye, who intends to train in Florida before returning to his south London gym in Lambeth seven weeks prior to the contest, is confident he will prevail against his far more experienced opponent - although he admits that conquering Klitschko will be his "biggest challenge".

"I believe by far this is my biggest challenge," he said. "Wladimir will be the best opponent I have ever faced. He is a very accomplished champion, has a lot of assets but he's got a lot of weaknesses as well and not many fighters can exploit his weaknesses like I can."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.