The much talked about heavyweight showdown between David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko might well be called off again.
After repeated taunting and bickering from both sides, it was beginning to look as if the pair might face off later this year. With the deadline imposed by the IBF for negotiations rapidly approaching though, Haye’s camp are now saying that is more interested in fighting Vitali instead.
This is another strange move from Haye, who has already pulled out of fights with both brothers once before. He is now saying that he needs time off after defeating John Ruiz last month, and will likely not meet the May 17th deadline to have a fight against Wlad put together.
Both of the Klitschko’s have made big concessions to Haye in the past and have both said that they will agree to equal purse splits, and even fight him in England. Given that both are ranked higher, have the more meaningful titles and would be favored to beat Haye, this isn’t something often seen in boxing today.
The state of the heavyweight division more than anything else though has made this the case, and both of the Klitschko brothers know that Haye is the biggest fight out there for them. Fellow former cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek is also in the chase, but doesn’t have the same appeal or charisma to English speaking fans that Haye does.
If Haye is serious about fighting either of them though he will have to do it sooner rather than later, Vitali is thought to be retiring soon and many fans are already questioning his desire to face either one of the Ukrainian champions.
If Haye and Wlad don’t agree to terms, then the number one contender for the IBF, Alexander Povetkin will likely fight Wladimir next.
Even that fight though has its share of controversy. Povetkin is asking Klitschko to undergo Olympic style drug testing, and if Klitschko doesn’t agree, then Povetkin will seemingly have nowhere to go. Either having to fight without them or pull out of the fight and his chance at capturing a title.
Of course if the pair do fight, Wlad will be a heavy favorite to squash Povetkin underfoot like he and his brother have with so many other challengers, and there is some suspicion that Povetkin and his team are using the testing as a way to get out of the fight.
Samuel Davis, Pittsburgh: “Wlad represents the better chance for Haye stylistically, but maybe he thinks Vitali is a shot fighter after his last fight against Johnson”
Dan Brett, Pittsburgh: “Haye knows he will lose and he’s looking for the best pay day he can. Either one of the Klitschkos will beat him, that’s why he’s taking his time”
