Thursday 19 May 2016 13:59, UK
David Haye is determined to prove The O2 is his 'house' and not Anthony Joshua's if the pair meet in the ring.
Former world champion Haye (27-2-KO25) continues his comeback on Saturday when he clashes with the unbeaten Arnold Gjergjaj (29-0-KO21) at the London venue, which hosted Joshua's world title victory in April and stages his maiden defence on June 25.
'Hayemaker' has made no secret of his desire to challenge for Joshua's IBF crown - and admits laying claim to The O2 would be a bonus.
The 35-year-old told Sky Sports: "At the moment, it's both our house. We're both from London but I'm from south London so I'm claiming it. It'd be nice for us to fight each other and figure who's the No 1 out of us two.
"Whenever he's ready. Probably next year. I'd do it right now if possible but it would probably make more sense for him if it happens next year. That way, the fight can be built.
"You really need rivalries in boxing and I think that's what we can bring."
On his return to action after three-and-a-half years out, Haye weighed in at a career-high 227¼lbs but while he accepts the recent constructive criticism from the legendary Lennox Lewis, insists weight is of little concern.
"Lennox is a very smart guy. He's like a historian in the game and he's always been technically one of the best fighters out there in training and in fights. Any advice he's ever given me has always been spot on.
Any advice he's ever given me has always been spot on. If Lennox says focus on speed, I'm not going to go against that one bit
"If Lennox says focus on speed, I'm not going to go against that one bit.
"I'll be around about the same [weight as last time]. Maybe a little bit lighter. I'm expecting to be maybe a kilo lighter but I'm not jumping on the scales every five minutes. It's a heavyweight fight.
"A lot of people do take into consideration what you weigh all the time as long as I'm optimal, healthy and my carb stores are full then I'm not too fussed about the weight."
David Haye takes on Arnold 'The Cobra' Gjergjaj at The O2 on May 21. For tickets to #HayeDay visit theo2.co.uk.
