Boxing: Thompson full of respect for Haye

IBO cruiserweight champion Carl Thompson was full of respect for young challenger David Haye ahead of their potential domestic dustup of the year at Wembley Arena on Friday (Sept 10) night.

"I don't say much but I give David a lot of respect for taking this fight", said Thompson. "Not many people are willing to fight me at all so full credit to David for taking this fight so earlier in his career.

"He reminds me a bit like myself, really. He has a true heart, you know he's gonna come to fight and to win. I can respect him for that. A lot of people don't want to fight me at this stage of their careers. A lot of fighters shout their mouths off and talk tough. At the end of the day its just cheap words.