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Klitschko doesn't love boxing - Haye

David Haye is getting into peak physical shape in Miami ahead of his summer showdown against Wladimir Klitschko © Getty Images

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David Haye has continued the needle ahead of his eagerly-anticipated heavyweight showdown with Wladimir Klitschko, insisting his Ukrainian opponent 'doesn't love boxing'.

Haye is currently training for the June 25 or July 2 clash in Miami, before heading back to London seven weeks prior to the contest for sparring and further preparations.

The WBA king has not fought since destroying Audley Harrison inside three rounds at Manchester's MEN Arena in November but he headed to America at the end of January to begin light training.

And the 30-year-old is under no illusions over what physical attributes his opponent will bring to the ring in the summer unification clash, admitting he expects WBO and IBF champion Klitschko to be at the peak of his powers.

"He's going to be in great shape," he told Sky Sports. "That's the one thing you can guarantee about Wladimir is he comes in in tremendous shape. The reason why he's had so much success over the years, I believe, is because of his discipline. Outside the ring you don't see him ballooned up out of shape, he's always in good condition like myself."

Klitschko is likely to boast a size and reach advantage over Haye when the pair collide but the Londoner does not feel his smaller physique will hinder his chances of success.

"A lot of thinking was heavyweights have got to be heavy," he said. "People asked 'are you going to be big enough to deal with these giants?' and my philosophy has always been speed. Speed is the key; it's what opens up all the doors to landing my big power punches. If you've got a big game plan, if you're focused then you can pull it off. I don't see the weight and size difference being a big factor with Wladimir. Once again people are going to write me off saying I'm too small and I can't do it but time and time again I've proved a great little man beats a good big man.

"Once I consistently start hitting him on the chin - maybe not the first time or the second time but slowly he will start having flashbacks to the Corrie Sanders fight or the Lamon Brewster fight where he got violently exposed and knocked out, where he was crawling around on his hands and knees. I'm going to put him back in that position. It's going to be a tough task but I will find a way to beat him."

Haye, who has made clear his intentions to hang up his gloves before his 31st birthday in October, believes he holds an extra edge over Klitschko because boxing has always been his primary focus.

"I believe I'm more of a boxer than he is - I started competing when I was 10, he started a lot later than I did," he said. "He comes from a martial arts background so his first love I don't believe is boxing, mine is. I think the difference will be shown on either June 25 or July 2."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.