By Mark Vester
Heavyweight contender David Haye has vowed to retire by the age of 30. He doesn't want to become like Oscar De La Hoya or Bernard Hopkins. Haye says the both of them have fought well beyond their best years. Haye, at age 28, face IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko on June 20 in Germany. He wants to beat both Klitschko brothers and walk away from the sport on top like his idol Lennox Lewis. Haye plans to focus his future energy on his company, Hayemaker Promotions.
"I have to look at the big picture even though I'll miss going into an arena putting on a show for everybody and getting them riled up. That buzz you get in the ring after a fight cannot be beaten. But I always said I will retire at 30 because it means I will have been boxing for 20 years," Haye told Sport of the World.
"When I win these next two fights I will squeeze in another couple of defences before bowing out.Oscar de la Hoya said he would quit at 30, but went on too long. Bernard Hopkins swore on his mother's death bed he wouldn't box past 40. He is still looking for a big fight. Boxers say it time and time again, but I have never seen one do it apart from Lennox Lewis and maybe he had a couple fights too many. I will be one of the few who actually does it."
Beating the Klitschkos will be the final achievements of Haye's career.
"After I hammer these Klitschkos I'll be undisputed heavyweight champion and all my goals achieved. Everyone says I won't quit so young, but I will," Haye said.
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