By Edward Chaykovsky
Former two-division world champion David Haye (28-2, 26KOs) is pretty confident that his speed will overwhelm IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (17-0, 17KOs).
Haye was working ringside at the O2 Arena in London, and watched Joshua stopped Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round to retain his world title for the first time.
The Hayemaker made his return to boxing in January after more than three years away from the ring. Haye has already notched two quick victories and earned himself a number three ranking under the IBF.
Next up for Haye is a fall showdown with former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, while Joshua will make the second defense of his world title in November.
Haye told Sky Sports: "I'm working my way up the rankings. When I watch Anthony Joshua fight, I always look at him as an opponent and don't watch too much what his opponent's doing. I watch him, his punch variety and the way he reacts to things coming at him. The more I've watched him, the more confident I've got. He's looked better winning his fights in style but the way he's won them, I don't believe it's anywhere near enough to beat me in any way, shape or form.
"I don't believe he's anywhere near as fast as I am. I could see every shot coming. I do a thing when I'm watching someone and I think if he's going to jab. I'm looking at him and slipping the shots for the opponent, but the opponent takes them clean in the face. I don't see any issues whatsoever so I'm patiently waiting until he believes he's ready because when he is, I'm ready to go. I'm not going to tell you how I'll do it, but it will be done."
"I do not need any quality of opposition. I don't get hit. Wladimir Klitschko landed two or three punches on me and Dereck Chisora landed the same. I don't get hit - that's my quality. That's my thing. That type of elusiveness is what gives me the big advantage against him, in my opinion. The keys would be my punch evasion and counter punching. I can see his shots coming and then load big power punches behind it. I don't see it as an issue whatsoever.