The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Haye denies Klitschko claim
British boxer David Haye has rubbished claims that he is afraid to face Ukrainian heavyweight Vitali Klitschko.
BRITISH BOXER David Haye has rubbished claims from Vitali Klitschko’s manager that he is “afraid” of facing the Ukrainian heavyweight.
The former two-weight world champion has signed up to face Dereck Chisora on July 14 at Upton Park – a grudge match that has been widely derided as it is taking place under a licence from Luxembourg as neither fighter holds a British licence.
Bernd Boente, who manages both Vitali and his brother Wladimir, said he had offered a contract to Haye prior to the announcement of the bout between the two Londoners, but claims the Bermondsey fighter turned it down as he was scared of the 40-year-old Ukrainian.
Haye, however, sees things differently, and should he get past Chisora, he is targeting a September bout with the WBC heavyweight champion.
“It makes absolutely no sense for me to turn down a fight I desperately want,” said Haye.
“Remember, the whole idea behind going ahead with this Chisora fight was that a victory may then lead to a fight with Vitali Klitschko.
“That was my plan, my reason for returning to the ring.
“I want to fight on July 14 and then again in September, and have been telling people this for months now.”
After moving up from cruiserweight, Haye vowed to end the Klitschkos ’ domination of the sport’s marquee division, but he suffered a decisive points defeat to WBA, WBO and IBF champion Wladimir last summer.
Haye is convinced he has the beating of the elder Klitschko, though, and claims Boente’s statements are a way for Vitali to save face.
“At this advanced stage in his career, the last thing on Vitali’s mind are tough challenges in the ring,” Haye added.
“He’s essentially semi-retired, which is fine, so long as he comes clean about it.
“Don’t go stringing everybody along – fighters and fans – when some of us know the truth.
“Unfortunately, Vitali will probably now look to fight some no-hoper, while telling the boxing world I turned down the fight. I will never turn down a fight with Vitali.”
Haye’s trainer and manager Adam Booth echoed his charge’s comments.
“A few weeks ago I received a first draft contract from K2/KMG ( the Klitschkos), as a formal offer for the fight between David and Vitali,” said Booth.
“Once we’d announced the Chisora fight I left a message for Shelly Finkel, in which I informed him we were ready to move to completion of the agreement for Vitali versus David.
“However, since that message was sent to Finkel, I have received no reply.
“Today I read that Herr Boente claims David ‘turned the fight down’and ‘does not want to fight Vitali’.
“Both of these claims are completely false. If Vitali wants to fight David in September, we are here and happy to accept.
“If not, no worries or sadness from our side.
“Maybe K2 realised during Vitali’s fight with Chisora in February that their precious champion was drastically slowing down and didn’t fancy going up against anyone too quick in the future.
Whatever their reasoning if Herr Boente is happy to spin the lines he feeds people good for him.”