Audley Harrison is 'delusional', says David Haye

13 April 2012

David Haye has denied being knocked down while sparring in preparation for his WBA world heavyweight title defence against Audley Harrison.

The British rivals have been engaged in a war of words ahead of their showdown in Manchester on Saturday week amid an atmosphere of genuine enmity.

Harrison's camp have leapt on rumours that Haye was floored in training by sparring partner and former world title challenger Tony Thompson.

But Haye, who will be making the second defence of his WBA title, insists the Olympic gold medallist is "delusional".

"Audley wants to believe I got knocked down but it's myth," Haye told talkSPORT.

"I'm hoping he takes it on board because he's looking for things to give him a mental advantage.

"If he wants to believe I got knocked down in sparring, then keep believing it.

"If that's going to make him sleep a bit better at night then go for it.

"Tell him I got knocked down 500 times in sparring if that makes him feel better.

"I know it didn't happen and it's irrelevant. The guy's delusional, he seriously is."

Harrison had stated: "They brought Tony Thompson in, he's a world-class heavyweight, but he's not a puncher.

"If Tony Thompson's putting David Haye out...I already know that's going to happen in this fight."

Haye is overwhelming favourite to retain his crown at the MEN Arena and has warned Harrison he will feed on his psychological demons.

"I'm glad Audley's having his time in the spotlight and is getting some column inches," he said.

"Hopefully he'll take all these newspaper clippings and make a book of them so that when he slinks back off to LA he can have a look at them.

"As long as he doesn't have photos from November 13 because all they'll be are images of his limp body in the ring.

"I've known Audley since I was 17. I've sparred with him and seen him in the amateurs.

"I've talked to him behind closed doors, I know his demons and how to get into his head. I know how to mess him up in the ring."

Harrison's professional career has been blighted by underachievement but the 39-year-old insists he is ready to cause Haye a few sleepless night.

"David Haye is going to be in a dark place after this fight. He's going to get a reality check," he said.

"I hope he's been nice to his family because they're the people he's going to need after this fight."

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