DAVID HAYE is not masking his excitement over the controversial fantasy fight between Mike Tyson and his idol Roy Jones Jr.
The ring legends — with a combined age of 105 — will clash in an eight-round exhibition bout on September 12 with larger-than-usual 12oz gloves.
The pay-per-view spectacle has divided opinion but Haye, who reigned as world champion at both cruiser and heavyweight, is in the pro camp.
He said: “Roy Jones Jr is probably the most physically gifted boxer I have ever seen.
“He was so fast and such a massive idol and inspiration for me growing up as a teenager.
“I even used to watch some of his fights in the dressing room, just moments before my own, in the crazy hope that a little bit of that magic would somehow rub off on me.
“So I really am looking forward to this match because I love Tyson too.
“Neither man is in their prime but they are then equally out of their prime, so it is a fair contest between two legends at the same level.”
But the Hayemaker, 39, who retired in 2018, will not be returning to the ring himself.
He added: “It wouldn’t be an option for me right now.
“Training for a serious fight takes you into such a dark and miserable comfort zone.
“The thought of going through that process again does not appeal.”
