David Haye will begin his quest to become world heavyweight champion against American veteran Monte 'Two Gunz' Barrett at London's O2 Arena on November 15.

Haye's ultimate goal is a showdown with Wladimir Klitschko, universally acclaimed as the best heavyweight around at the moment.

And a clash with the vastly experienced Barrett will give him a meaningful test as he sets out towards that aim.

The 37-year-old boasts a 34-6 pro record and has won his last three, culminating in a shock first-round knockout of beanpole pretender Tye Fields.

Barrett has also been in with the likes of Nikolay Valuev, Hasim Rahman and Klitschko himself - losing in seven to the Ukrainian in London back in 2000.

Haye said: "This is a really exciting time for me and I can't wait to get in the ring to fight Monte Barrett. He's a good fighter but I believe I am superior in speed and power and have a good chance of knocking him out."

Barrett meanwhile warned Haye to expect a stern examination.

"Haye's caught my attention with all the talk he's been giving," he said.

"David Haye will be in really deep water coming up to heavyweight, because he's not bringing any power with him - he may bring a little speed - but he's going to get annihilated when he fights me because I'm a seasoned guy who's hungry.

"I'm not just hungry - I'm desperate. And when you're desperate you do desperate things. I mean, I don't wash up when I'm in training camp - I don't change my clothes. All I do is train and fight.

"You ask my trainer and he'll tell you - before the Fields fight, I was hitting the wall. I was ready to go.

"I love the UK," Barrett added. "Also, I've got to redeem myself. The last time I was in the UK I lost to (Wladimir) Klitschko.

"You could say I'm not that great against big guys, but Haye isn't a big guy himself. I'll get redemption this time in the UK."