Friday 20 November 2015 10:19, UK
Adam Booth has welcomed David Haye's return to training - but says he is not the most talented fighter he has worked with.
Former two-weight world champion Haye (26-2-KO24) has joined Shane McGuigan's gym and is tipped to fight again for the first time since a fifth-round stoppage victory over Dereck Chisora in July 2012.
Booth, who trained the Londoner for his world heavyweight title victory over the giant Nikolai Valuev in 2009, told Sky Sports: "I don't think it's a surprise.
"He has been talking about it for quite a while and at some point, he has obviously spoken about it enough. David is a very smart, shrewd fellow and knows the decisions he makes. He has decided that now is the time to take the step.
"He and I have a complete understanding of the fact that our working relationship ended a little while ago. I have too much on my plate now with the fighters I've got. I'm loving every day in the gym.
"I wish David all the best. People criticise him all the time but people will watch him because he's entertaining, value for money, exciting and very talented. Whether I'm in the corner or watching it, I'll be equally excited.
People criticise him all the time but people will watch him because he's entertaining, value for money, exciting and very talented.
"The heavyweight division is our pinnacle division; the one that everyone watches. We need characters and we need exciting fighters in it, and David Haye is certainly that."
Despite training Haye and three-time world super-middleweight challenger George Groves, Booth believes his new charge - Northern Irish bantamweight Ryan Burnett (11-0-KO9) - is the most gifted fighter he's worked with.
Ahead of Burnett's British title fight with Jason Booth (live on Sky Sports this Saturday), the trainer added: "In terms of its significance, it's a British championship for a young talented prospect. Jason Booth is the seasoned pro who has seen everything there is to see in a boxing ring.
"I believe in Ryan Burnett, you have the chance to see everything all in one package. I've got that much belief in him. I think he is something special and people are going to enjoy a young fighter, who looks the part, fights the part and if you cut him down the middle, you'd realise he is the part.
"He is talented, quick, strong, clever and a puncher too. He's a fighter that Belfast, Northern Ireland and anyone who watches him is going to be excited about his journey.
"He's the most talented fellow I've worked with. Just enjoy watching it."
Burnett v Booth is part of another huge night of Sky Sports boxing with Anthony Crolla and Martin Murray bidding for world titles against Darleys Perez and Arthur Abraham respectively.
