David Haye is expecting fireworks when he defends his WBA world heavyweight title against John Ruiz at the MEN tonight.
Haye appreciates Ruiz's durability throughout a 54-fight career that has seen the American spoiler stopped out just once, by David Tua 14 years ago.
But while Ruiz may be in fantastic shape, Haye is convinced that he will fall inside the distance in what he promises will be a thrilling showdown.
‘There doesn't seem to be an ounce of fear in Ruiz,’ said the 29-year-old Londoner.
‘Sometimes you can see in their eyes that they're nervous - they might pump their chest out and you can see their heart beating - but he's looked cool, calm and collected.
‘I wouldn't go as far as to say I admire him but I respect him and what's he done.
‘I respect that he's been around for so long, always giving a great account of himself.
‘He's always been the underdog but has usually found a way to win.
‘He's not the most exciting of fighters, but this time round he's in great shape so I'm expecting fireworks.
‘It will be something different to what people are used to seeing. Ruiz will be tough but the plan is still to render him unconscious.
‘I want to make a big statement in this fight by showing how a heavyweight champion deals with John Ruiz.
‘I'll throw everything but the kitchen sink at him. It will be all guns blazing and I'm expecting to sizzle.’
If Haye makes Ruiz his 24th victim, he will target a lucrative showdown against either Vitali or Wladimir Klitschko.
‘After this the plan is the Klitschko brothers. But nothing matters if this doesn't go the way we want it to,’ said Haye.
‘I've got to beat Ruiz first. If I do then there are some superfights out there for me.
‘I believe I'm a born winner and all I do is aspire to win. That's all I think about in anything I do in life.’
