Haye respects Ruiz but says will knock him out

By Neil Maidment

"It's always my plan to knock out my opponents... I don't believe there is anyone in the world who can take the punishment I am willing to dish out for 12 rounds," he told reporters.

"Ruiz does his talking in the ring, I am aware of that, so it's a waste of time to give it too much verbal," Haye said.

SHUNNED

Ruiz, known as "The Quietman," lived up to his nickname when he failed to attend the fight announcement in January and hardly blinked on Thursday when Haye proclaimed he would knock him out.

"I feel at this moment I am complete... that's when you realize you are on top of the world and that is what I am here to prove," Ruiz (44-8-1, 30KOs) said.

The 38-year-old American is known to stay close to his opponent and, with both fighters of similar size, Haye is expecting a battle that could last a full 12 rounds.

"I'm expecting a tough, grueling fight. I have trained for 12 rounds or less and I want to make it less," Haye (23-1, 21KOs) said.

The 29-year-old "Hayemaker" from London, knows a convincing victory could lead to a much-talked of showdown with WBC champion Vladimir Klitschko or his younger brother and WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion, Vitali.

(Editing by Ken Ferris)