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Haye plans to emulate Cooper against Klitschko

David Haye plans to shock Wladimir Klitschko © Getty Images

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David Haye is planning to make his own special tribute to the late Sir Henry Cooper on July 2, by repeating Cooper's legendary punch against Cassius Clay.

British hero Cooper died at the age of 76 on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of tributes for the man who famously knocked down the great Cassius Clay, better known as Muhammad Ali.

Cooper eventually lost his battle with Clay, but his impact on British boxing is being felt even to this day. Haye was certainly inspired by the Londoner, and he plans to deliver a fitting tribute when he takes on Wladimir Klitschko on July 2.

"Anybody who ever met Henry Cooper says he was a great guy. He'll be sadly missed by everyone," Haye told Sky Sports News.

"If I can land a similar shot to what Henry Cooper landed on Cassius Clay against Wladimir Klitschko on July 2 then I'll be a happy man."

Haye remains convinced that he will beat Klitschko, despite the fact the Ukrainian is fighting on his adopted German soil.

"He's never had to fight in a hostile atmosphere in his whole life. He's always been the home fighter," said Haye. "But even if we have 25 per cent British support, I know 25 per cent British will make a lot more noise."

Having displayed his speed and movement, not to mention his power-punch right hand, in past fights with Audley Harrison and Nikolai Valuev, it has been suggested by boxing critics that Haye has nothing left with which to surprise Klitschko. Trainer and promoter Adam Booth disagrees.

"You're dead wrong. Wladimir does not know who David Haye is. Keep raising your eyebrows. He will not be able to predict what happens on July 2."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.