"I remember back in 1989 I fought a guy called Michael Dokes. My people told me he was on drugs and that after three rounds he would be dead.
"I knocked him out in the 10th, then went back to my corner and told my people, don't you ever tell me someone is going to be easy'. Dokes proved the toughest fight I had before I won my first heavyweight championship.
"I say to David, don't let anybody put you to sleep over an opponent'. For whatever reason, Harrison never became a world champion. But now he can suck it up and say, Lord, thank you for giving me one more chance'.
"People say Haye against Harrison will be a mismatch but it ain't no such thing. Harrison will have the desire and the determination and all it takes is one shot to put Haye down."
There are those who believe that Holyfield himself has already taken one shot too many in a professional career spanning a quarter of a century, 55 fights, 430 competitive rounds including the sensational one in which his right ear was savaged by Mike Tyson.
Holyfield has heard those concerns for his health, yet he says he will ignore them until he achieves his goal of the undisputed championship.
And if Haye, or Harrison, stand in the way, then he is ready to punch them to one side. Looking in excellent condition, Holyfield explained his life creed: "You don't choose your beginning, you don't choose your parents, you don't even choose your skin colour but you can choose your end.
"I've taken care of myself. I've never had bad habits. I've never had an alcohol problem, I've never had a drug problem. My momma told me that if I look after myself, then to get out of boxing only at the proper time. This ain't yet the proper time."
Evander Holyfield is in London promoting RealDealPoker.com. He is attending Poker in the Park taking place today in Leicester Square.
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