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I SAW A LOT OF GRIT

David Haye caught weaknesses he could expose in Anthony Joshua’s win over Wladimir Klitschko

But the recovering Haymaker admits: 'Joshua made a step up in class on and ticked all the boxes required of him'

DAVIS HAYE believes Anthony Joshua showed weaknesses against Wladimir Klitschko that he can exploit.

Joshua came through a brutal fight with Klitschko to retain his IBF heavyweight title and also bag the vacant WBA and IBO crowns.

 Anthony Joshua was put on the deck by Wladamir Klitschko
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Anthony Joshua was put on the deck by Wladamir KlitschkoCredit: Reuters

The former Olympic champion was on the canvas in the sixth round...and that was enough for Haye to insist:


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"It was interesting to see Joshua in new territory.

"I did see a couple of things I would try to exploit if I boxed him but I also saw a lot of heart, grit, chin and determination.

"The British public are spoilt for great heavyweight fights at the moment."

Haye told readers the heavyweight division has some "appetising prospects fight-wise" and he can't wait to be part of it again once the Achilles injury he suffered in his loss to Tony Bellew in March allows.

 Joshua and David Haye...socialising outside the ring
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Joshua and David Haye...socialising outside the ringCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Haye reckons he spotted weaknesses in the Joshua set-up
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 Haye reckons he spotted weaknesses in the Joshua set-upCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Haye said: "Once I'm back in the ring I aim to be in the mix and I can't wait to get back to become part of the equation myself.

"But for now my focus remains on rehab."

Haye was, nonetheless, impressed by Joshua's sheer bravery.

"Joshua made a step up in class on Saturday and ticked all the boxes required of him," Haye added.

 Joshua got up off the canvas to beat Klitschko
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Joshua got up off the canvas to beat KlitschkoCredit: AP:Associated Press
 It was finally all over in the 11th round
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It was finally all over in the 11th roundCredit: [email protected]

"Most importantly, he passed the guts check.

"I believe Klitschko will box on and they are likely to have a rematch - another huge occasion, although I think Joshua will win that very, very easily.

"He's only getting better and, at 41, Klitschko can't keep going to the well as he did last weekend.

"The Ukrainian could have finished it if he had stepped on the gas but he played it safe, played the long game and will be kicking himself about that."

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