• Heavyweight

Haye hurt by Vitali's retirement plans

ESPN staff
October 28, 2011
Vitali Klitschko: 'I am now finishing my sports career' © Getty Images
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David Haye and Tyson Fury have been dealt a blow by the news Vitali Klitschko intends to have one more fight before hanging up his gloves.

WBC heavyweight champion Klitschko, 40, has turned his attention to politics in his native Ukraine over recent months - and intends to increase his involvement in future. Last year he founded the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform, and he is a deputy on the Kiev city council.

"I am now finishing my sports career," he told Ukrainian television station TVi. "I will have one more fight, maybe two at most."

Klitschko has won 43 of his 45 professional bouts with 40 KOs, and was ahead on the judges' scorecards on the two occasions he was stopped inside the distance.

Haye, who retired earlier this month at the age of 31, is willing to return to the sport if he can agree a bout with Vitali or brother Wladimir. "If they want a tough challenge you'd think they would want to beat down my door," he said on Thursday.

With Wladimir reportedly reluctant to meet Haye again, having already beaten him on points in July, Vitali appeared the most likely option for the Brit - but recent talks broke down over money. Neither party appears willing to compromise, which could bring Fury into play for Vitali's swansong.

However, the British and Commonwealth champion seems more interested in securing a clash with WBA World king Alexander Povetkin, and says he does not feel ready to meet a Klitschko.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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