Friday 20 May 2016 19:24, UK
David Haye clocked 224lbs on the scales for Saturday's heavyweight clash with Arnold Gjergjaj - less than he weighed for his comeback fight.
The former world champion takes on the unbeaten Kosovan (29-0-KO21) at The O2 and weighed-in three-and-a-half pounds lighter than when returning from three-and-a-half years out to blast aside Mark de Mori in January.
Haye was quick to accept recent advice from former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who warned that his increased size may prevent him from utilising his most valuable asset: speed.
'Hayemaker' told Sky Sports: "This guy comes with an unbeaten record and it's that much tougher to beat an unbeaten fighter because they don't know what it's like to lose. He took the fight at the drop of a hat. He wanted to come and he's talking big.
In the gym, it feels like I'm better than I was many years ago.
"I need to be at my best. I can't afford to turn up here and assume that because I've competed at a higher level, it'll be enough. I've had two minutes of ring action in four years which isn't ideal but I'm ready to do what needs to be done.
"I want a 10-round fight and I want to really have to figure out some puzzles in there and dig deep. I haven't had that for a long time and I'm looking forward to putting on a big spectacle.
"In the gym, it feels like I'm better than I was many years ago but you can only tell when the bell goes and I'm looking forward to seeing what I've got against an unbeaten, hungry young fighter. It's a must-win fight for me."
Gjergjaj, who boasts a two-inch height advantage at 6ft 5', was 237lbs as he prepares to fight outside of Switzerland for only the second time in his career.
Should Haye (27-2-KO25) navigate his way past 'The Cobra', a deal to face another former world champion - 44-year-old Shannon Briggs - is already in place. The American fights Argentine Emilio Zarate on the undercard.
Briggs (59-6-1-KO52) will be making his UK debut and before weighing-in at 250lbs - his lightest in almost two years - 'The Cannon' entered to his trademark fanfare.
With a hip-hop interpretation of Ennio Morricone's 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly' theme tune blasting out of a portable music system, Briggs took to the stage meowing 'champ' to the beat.
David Haye takes on Arnold 'The Cobra' Gjergjaj at The O2 on May 21. For tickets to #HayeDay visit theo2.co.uk.
