British heavyweight David Haye has admitted that he couldn't risk a possible fight with one of the Klitschko brothers by spending a significant time away from the sport.

Haye has agreed to fight Tyson Fury in Manchester on September 28 as he looks to regain the world heavyweight title, and he has revealed that the bout is part of his plan to stay on course for a possible match with one of the Ukrainians.

The 32-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Instead of sitting around rotting, I thought why not get in the ring with a big guy like Tyson Fury, and go through the training camp and keep myself ticking over.

"If I don't, and the time came around to fight a Klitschko, I could have been out of the ring for a two-and-a-half years, and that's way too long.

"I want to stay active, and stay in shape. I want to keep on the right track."

Haye has not fought since he defeated Dereck Chisora inside five rounds last July.