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Haye claims nerves won't affect him

David Haye is confident he will be able to defend his title against John Ruiz © Getty Images

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David Haye has stressed nerves will not get the better of him ahead of his clash with John Ruiz.

Haye will make the first defence of his WBA Heavyweight title against Ruiz in Manchester on Saturday. The Londoner is aware of the threat his American rival poses, but feels his schedule is going according to plan.

Asked if nerves will affect him in the final days before the fight, Haye said: "I am fine and am generally fine all the way up to the fight. It is only when I get to the changing room that I switch on. I won't even think about the fight until the day of the fight, I will then switch on.

"You see a lot of fighters switching on too early. You see them shadow boxing a week before the fight and they are burning up much-needed energy that you need in the fight. I seem to switch on when I am in the ring and 100 per cent all guns blazing.

"It is all about looking and feeling and being as perfect as possible on the night of the fight. There is no point being at your peak three weeks before the fight. The things me and Adam do is to peak as soon as I walk through the ropes."

Ruiz has looked in excellent condition and Haye is expecting a battle, but feels he will have too much speed for his older rival.

"I am expecting a hard and tough fight," Haye said. "I am not expecting him to fall over after a couple of punches. He has a new coach, a respected coach and he is in the best shape of his life. I've seen him before and he has looked blubbery, but this time he looks in good shape.

"If you leave your chin out he can hurt you, but I feel I am way too fast and way too sharp for him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.