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WBA heavyweight champion David Haye has denied betting on himself to beat Audley Harrison in the third round of their world title fight on Saturday.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) rules prohibit fighters from placing wagers on their own bouts.

"I didn't need to bet, I made enough money from the fight anyway," Haye told BBC Radio 5 live.

Haye added that it would be "harsh" for the BBBC to withhold some of Harrison's purse after his dismal showing.

In the aftermath of his demolition of fellow Briton Harrison in Manchester, Haye claimed to have "put a lot of money on the third round".

But asked to clarify the comments, Haye told 5 live he had merely encouraged friends and family to bet on that outcome.

"I didn't physically go into a betting shop and say here's X amount of money," he said.

"What I did say is I would knock Audley Harrison out in three rounds. My prediction was the third round and I told a lot of people that and it was true.

"It makes the fight a lot more exciting for people. It did feel like I'd bet on myself because so many people had put money on it.

"If it had gone into the fourth round I would have felt guilty."

BBBC Secretary Robert Smith said he was "disappointed" Haye claimed not to know the rules regarding boxers betting on themselves but that he was satisfied by the explanation.

"Every year we send out the rules and regulations. The betting rule is in the regulations and if he had read it he would have known the rule," Smith told 5 live.

"But I think from what David has said I'm fairly happy that everything was OK."

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Hmmm, seems like quite a few made a bob or 2 on that match. Maybe not him. I am miffed that he didn't tell me.