The 33 year-old is gearing up for another charge towards top division glory after announcing his decision to return following a career-threatening injury, and seemingly wants a clean slate before his comeback.
Two-weight world title holder Haye, who lost to Klitschko via a wide points decision in a largely disappointing encounter in 2011, was lambasted after the fight as he blamed a toe injury for his defeat.
Now, after cancelling three fights in a year and almost losing his ability to compete in the sport he loves, Haye has given it straight to those who believed he could take Klitschko’s titles – in a forthright interview with the London Evening Standard.
“I failed that night,” admitted Haye. “I let a lot of people down, including myself. I betrayed the trust and belief I had obtained from so many people. I lied to them all.
“I urged people to believe in me and to back me. They either came to watch in person or on box office TV. Either way they spent hard-earned money because I said I would win. I didn’t even get close?”
On blaming that now infamous foot ailment, Haye continued: “My training was wrong. I’ve got away with carrying minor knocks in the past.
“The problem is I’m sparring with bigger guys than me as I have to do. I obtained niggling injuries in the process of a constant pounding and was far from in optimum shape to face a guy who you have to knock out to win in Germany.
“It’s a problem I created and, besides, in the boxing records, it simply says Klitschko beat Haye with a unanimous points’ decision,” he added.
The Londoner is now hoping to participate in his first bout for over two years in the coming months after outlining that he wants to be as active as possible before embarking on a world title tilt by 2016.
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