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Haye inspired by Calzaghe's exit route

ESPN staff
June 22, 2011
Joe Calzaghe says David Haye's punch-power is 'frightening' © Getty Images
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David Haye has revealed he is using fellow Brit Joe Calzaghe's decision to leave the sport while still at the top as inspiration for his own retirement plans.

Haye is currently making his final preparations for his heavyweight unification battle against Wladimir Klitschko, which takes place at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg on July 2.

Calzaghe, a former two-weight world champion, retired following an unbeaten 46-fight career and Haye holds deep admiration for the way the Welshman hung up his gloves.

"Joe went about things the way all boxers aspire to," Haye told the Daily Telegraph. "He defeated every opponent put in his way and then retired with his zero intact. Joe is one of the few guys to have the talent and intelligence to achieve his goals and get out when the going was good. That has been an inspiration for my own plan in boxing. To beat the best and then go out and leave at the top."

With less than two weeks to go until fight night, Haye is winding down his training in order to face WBO and IBF king Klitschko in peak condition. However, the Londoner admits there was no stepping off the gas when Calzaghe dropped into his gym on Tuesday night.

"Whenever I see Joe at ringside watching me prepare, it gives me added impetus to do well. He knows what he's talking about and knows what it's like to be involved in these sort of big unification title fights. As far as experts go, none come more experienced than Joe," he said.

"I got a real kick out of seeing Joe sat ringside, and it was especially nice to see him standing and clapping at the end of the rounds. If I can sense Joe is impressed by what he's seeing, I know I'm in a very good place."

Watching his friend go through his paces, Calzaghe admits he was surprised by Haye's physical condition, declaring the 30-year-old was "moving like a middleweight with heavyweight power".

"I have been looking forward to this fight for years now, and it's just great to see David looking in such awesome shape," he said. "I expected him to look sharp and fit, but he looks even better than I could have ever imagined. I have been lucky enough to see David prepare for his last few fights, and I don't think I've ever seen him look in shape like this.

"I always love seeing David go through his paces. He is such a dynamic and exciting fighter to watch - he's my kind of fighter. He's quick, sharp and classy and throws punches with bad intentions. David is one of the most exciting fighters in the world right now, and even his gym sessions are more exciting than many actual fights.

"The punch power he is showing on the pads is frightening, and everything is thrown with speed. He's moving like a middleweight with heavyweight power at the moment, and that can only be a good thing. He's very lean and mobile, too. It's extremely refreshing to see a heavyweight throwing seven and eight punch combinations and looking like they are able to throw 100 punches per round, if needed. David is well on course right now."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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