By James Slater – Yet more news about David Haye; a heavyweight who “retired” a few months ago. Set to face fellow Londoner Dereck Chisora in an all-British grudge-match in July, Haye apparently chose this fight over an offered shot at WBC heavyweight king Vitali Klitschko.
This is according to Klitschko’s manager, Bernd Boente, who spoke with Press Association Sport.
“There was a contract from us for [Haye] to fight Vitali in September but he chose to fight Chisora instead because it’s an easier task,” Boente said. “I think he never really wanted to fight Vitali. The guy is always talking. He barks like a dog and he does that because he is mostly afraid.
“I don’t think it [Haye-Vitali] will happen. It will definitely not happen in September because we are already talking to a couple of different opponents for then and it is too close for Haye to fight him after his fight against Chisora..”
Boente went on to say that Vitali, who is heavily involved in politics in Ukraine “will quit his career for sure if he’s elected in October.” So, “Dr. Iron Fist’s” next fight, against whoever it may be in September, could well be his last ring appearance.
But I’m confused about Boente’s statement regarding how a contract existed for Haye to challenge Vitali in September. Didn’t WBC president Don Jose recently state that in no way would his organisation allow Haye (or Chisora) to fight for the WBC belt? Don Jose went further, stating that anyone involved with the Haye-Chisora fight would have their licence taken away by the WBC (promoter Frank Warren included). Was Vitali willing to defy WBC orders, or was the 40-year-old willing to face Haye in a non-title affair?
Well, we will likely never know now. Vitali is reportedly doing well in his political career and he may well get elected to office later this year. If that’s the case, the iron-chinned giant will likely exit the sport after one more win, with a fine record of 45-2(40/41). As for Haye, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he wound up challenging “regular” WBA heavyweight champ Alexander Povetkin; providing both men win on July 14th (Povetkin set to defend his strap against former world ruler Hasim Rahman).
Boente stated that Wladmir will never fight Haye again, “and why should he?”
Haye’s best chance of winning a major title, then, will likely come against Povetkin (if you can call the unbeaten Russian’s belt a major title). Can’t you just see this match-up being made in, say, November or December, in Germany?