David Haye believes his fight against Audley Harrison will be a “public execution” after confirming he will defend his WBA heavyweight title against the Olympic gold medallist (5/1 to beat Haye) at the MEN Arena on November 13.

The two British boxers have been feuding since Haye snubbed having Harrison on one of his cards during his reign as undisputed cruiserweight champion.

Harrison has been asking for a shot at Haye for months, ever since he beat Michael Sprott with a last round knockout to claim the European Boxing Union title.

The 38-year-old has now got his wish as he looks to complete a remarkable comeback since losing to Belfast taxi driver Martin Rogan in December 2008.

Haye is the 2/15 favourite to reclaim the crown he won against giant Russian Nikolay Valuev in November 2009.

Since then Haye has stopped American journeymen John Ruiz in his first title defence and had hoped to meet one of the Klitchko brothers in a bid to unite the heavyweight division.

However, any possible bout against either Vitali or Wladimir failed to materialise and the 29-year-old will now defend his title against Harrison.

The two exchanged insults in a heated press conference, Harrison claiming he had never been hurt by Haye when they sparred together while the champ argued that he would be far too good for his older opponent.

“The fight will be a public execution,” said Haye. “His resume is not as good as that of the last five people I have fought.

“Everybody feels passionately that they want me to finally close the curtain on the joke that is the Audley Harrison show.

“Audley has known me for years, he knows how devastating I am in the ring. He knows it first hand from sparring sessions. I’m no joke.”