OOH! AAH! I'LL QUIT LIKE CANTONA

DAVID HAYE is making shock plans to quit boxing after being inspired by Eric Cantona who dramatically walked out on football 12 years ago this week.

The flamboyant Londoner insists he will destroy the Klitschko brothers this year and quit boxing two fights later at the age of 30, the same age Manchester United legend Cantona hung up his boots.

Haye, 28, challenges IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir in Gelsenkirchen at the home of Bundesliga club FC Schalke on June 20.

Provided he beats the 6ft 7in Ukrainian, who is a national hero in Germany, Haye, is then contractually obliged to face Wladimir's older sibling, Vitali, the WBC champion, in a unification battle.

Haye's retirement hammer blow comes as Scottish lightweight great Ken Buchanan is threatening a comeback at 63 and Ricky Hatton ponders his future despite being brutally knocked out by Manny Pacquiao three weeks ago.

The former WBC, WBA and WBO world cruiserweight champion said: "People don't call Eric Cantona for calling it quits so young and it will possibly add to my greatness like it has for him.

BROTHERS IN WAR - Vitaly (left) and Wladimir Klitschko show off their world title belts

"Eric did what he thought was right and maybe he enjoys beach football more. There is not the pressure and he just does what he wants to do with his life.

Swore

"I have to look at the big picture even though I'll miss going into an arena putting on a show for everybody and getting them riled up. That buzz you get in the ring after a fight cannot be beaten.

"But I always said I will retire at 30 because it means I will have been boxing for 20 years."

Haye, defeated just once in 23 professional fights, already has a successful promotional company and manages the career of several young hopefuls, including Olympic bronze medallist David Price.

He told Sport of the World: "When I win these next two fights I will squeeze in another couple of defences before bowing out.Oscar de la Hoya said he would quit at 30, but went on too long.

"Bernard Hopkins swore on his mother's death bed he wouldn't box past 40. He is still looking for a big fight.

Fearsome

"Boxers say it time and time again, but I have never seen one do it apart from Lennox Lewis and maybe he had a couple fights too many. I will be one of the few who actually does it.

"After I hammer these Klitschkos I'll be undisputed heavyweight champion and all my goals achieved. Everyone says I won't quit so young, but I will."

Boasting a 52-3 career record with 46 knockouts, Wladimir Klitschko cuts a fearsome figure at the top of the heavyweight ladder.

Fresh off a one-sided stoppage win over ex-champion Hasim Rahman, he represents the ultimate test of Haye's heavyweight ambition.

Wladimir Klitschko v David Haye can be seen exclusively live on Setanta on June 20.

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