Haye only ‘warming up’

DAVID HAYE views tonight’s showdown with Audley Harrison (from 8pm, Sky Box Office) as merely “a warm-up fight” as he aims to fight both Klitschko brothers and retire in 2011.

The WBA heavyweight champion defends his belt against fellow Londoner Harrison at Manchester’s MEN Arena in a fight only made because he was unable to secure a unification bout with one of the Ukrainian siblings.

While the contest has attracted a sell-out crowd and significant pay TV figures, it is expected to be a one-sided affair between the big-hitting champion and often timid challenger.

Haye, 30, said: “This is definitely a warm-up fight.

“I don’t like to look at it like that because it’s a big event in itself. He’s a southpaw and they (the Klitschkos) are orthodox fighters so it’s not a warm-up fight technically, it’s just another big fight which will get similar publicity.

“In an ideal world I’ll fight both Klitschkos next year and retire,” he added.

“First they need to get off their high horses and realise I bring more to the table than they do. Television rights is one of the first points we’ve stumbled at.”

Elsewhere Manny Pacquiao aims to enhance his place among boxing’s elite while Antonio Margarito has a chance of redemption when they clash in tonight’s hotly anticipated WBC super welterweight bout (Sky Sports 1, from 2am).

“I have already achieved what I wanted in boxing,” said Pacquiao.

“What I want right now is to maintain my greatness in boxing and to entertain people who can be satisfied by my performance.”