Monday 30 April 2018 09:53, UK
David Haye admits Tony Bellew’s personality still irritates him but is heading into their rematch with a “zen-like” mindset.
Rivals Bellew and Haye will settle their grudge live on Sky Sports Box Office on May 5.
Bellew will first aim for a second victory against Haye, whose Achilles was injured in last year's dramatic meeting. The Londoner put the finishing touches to his preparation on Friday by coming through a crucial sparring session unscathed.
Haye felt his timing, accuracy and movement was "perfect" during his final piece of work and is hoping his different approach will result in a different outcome.
"Last time I went chips in with the trash talk," he told Soccer AM.
"I lost my mind last time, punching him at the weigh-in. He's got a very irritating and annoying personality - he grates me. But this time around I'm more zen-like. Last time it didn't work as I got beat. I went in there like a lunatic. I lost because of my mindset.
"I said what I said, and I got punished for it - the universe said 'you shouldn't be acting like that - bosh, you lost'. I've accepted my punishment and I won't be doing it again. All that energy I spent being angry towards him I've put into my training this time. I'm in one piece and everyone is going to see a cracking fight."
When asked what went wrong in the first encounter, Haye replied: "Every single part of it. My ringwalk, the way I went into the ring, my movement and the punches I threw and took.
"It was a poor performance. It was my first professional fight for five years so the inactivity had a bit of an influence. I've never gone to the ring with that sort of anger towards someone before - why do I need to be angry towards him? I'm going to punch him anyway. I'm going to go in there relaxed and feeling the vibes.
"This time around every single facet of my game is better. I've got a new coach and new mindset - I'm looking to make a big statement.
"You'll see a version of the Hayemaker that isn't 40."
