Haye is a big favorite to retain his belt in the first all-British heavyweight title fight in 17 years.

The 39-year-old Harrison finally landed a title shot 10 years after winning the Olympic gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games and believes it is his “destiny” to add the heavyweight crown.

The bout is billed as a showdown between former friends turned enemies. The fight, which has been heavily promoted over the past few weeks, is a sellout at the 20,000-seat MEN Arena and is expected to attract lucrative pay-per-view television figures in Britain.

Lennox Lewis defended his WBC belt in 1993 against Frank Bruno in the last all-British heavyweight title bout.

Haye settled for a defense against the southpaw Harrison after he was unable to secure a unification bout against one of the Klitschkos. Vitali holds the WBC title, while Wladimir is the IBF and WBO champion.

“There’s a few different reasons but the bottom line is they are not treating me like a champion,” Haye said.

“They are not coming to the champion as if they are dealing with a champion, so as long as they are treating me like a challenger, the fight is not going to happen.” In the meantime, Haye says beating Harrison would be another step toward a unified title.

“This is definitely a warm-up fight,” Haye said. “In an ideal world I’ll fight both Klitschkos next year and retire.” Haye is 24-1, with 22 knockouts. Harrison is 27-4, with 20 KOs.

Harrison failed to live up to his promise after winning the Olympic title and was considered washed up after a string of losses to Danny Williams, Dominick Guinn, Michael Sprott and Martin Roggan. But Harrison knocked out Sprott earlier this year for the European title to earn a title shot.

Harrison believes the British public is finally warming to him.

“I think there’s definitely been a swing in public support because my story has resonated with people,” he said. “It’s a story of hope, triumph over adversity, never giving up. People are starting to see this guy has been beaten down, never given up and now he gets an opportunity, he gets his moment.” Haye says Harrison has no chance.

“I hope this new Audley turns up, the extraordinary Audley that he’s talking about,” Haye said. “Then it might go six or seven rounds, tops. If he doesn’t and he is the usual ordinary Audley, then it will be over as quickly as the first round.”