• Boxing

Vitali manager says Haye fight still possible

Vitali Klitschko is the WBC heavyweight champion © Getty Images

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Vitali Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente claims that David Haye could come out of retirement to face the Ukrainian in February or March 2012.

Haye's career appeared over when the British Boxing Board of Control announced on Tuesday that he had no intention of renewing his licence to fight, but now it seems he could still be tempted back for one last showdown.

Boente's understanding is that Haye will speak on Thursday to announce his retirement, with the caveat that he will return if a Klitschko fight is agreeable. Haye was beaten by Wladimir, Vitali's brother, in his most recent contest.

"Haye's manager Adam Booth always told me that he will retire on Thursday, his 31st birthday, and will definitely come back if there is a fight against Vitali or a rematch against Wladimir," Boente told Sky Sports. "This opportunity is still there.

"I think it really depends on the business case. Adam and I just spoke with each other five minutes ago and we are in confident contact. We are waiting for some numbers from British TV and then we will see if the business case is realistic. We can do the fight, or Vitali will fight another opponent in February or March next year.

"If the business case is realistic, then the fight is 100% likely. A realistic time frame is mid-February to mid-March. We want a soccer stadium with a roof. We have three different ones in Germany, so let's see what is possible."

According to Boente, Haye stands to pocket significantly less cash than he took home against Wladimir. "Adam knows that this time there is a completely different split. They also know that the only difference with a guy like Jean-Marc Mormeck, who fights Wladimir next, is the UK money from TV stations," he said.

"We have to move quickly because if the fight is in February-March, then we have to do the first press conference before Christmas. This way or that way, Vitali will definitely fight February or March, whether against David Haye or someone else."

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