• Heavyweight

Haye does not deserve crack at Vitali - Steward

David Haye could get a second bite of a Klitschko © PA Photos

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Legendary trainer Emanuel Steward has scoffed at reports David Haye is lining up a fight with Vitali Klitschko, insisting the Briton does not deserve another Klitschko pay-day.

It is less than six weeks since Haye called time on his career, and yet already reports are circulating that the Londoner will make a return next March against WBC heavyweight champion Vitali.

With big fights in boxing's historically blue ribbon division appearing thin on the ground, the clamour for Haye-Klitschko still remains - despite the former cruiserweight king succumbing to a heavy points defeat against Vitali's younger brother Wladimir in July.

However, Steward - who trains WBA champion Wladimir - disputes Haye's right to a second crack at a Klitschko.

"Oh, no. I hope this doesn't happen. David doesn't deserve it. His performance against Wladimir was terrible, appalling," he told the Daily Mail.

"Sadly, I keep hearing this fight might well go ahead because Vitali really wants to finish the job Wladimir started on Haye by knocking him out. Although from David's view-point you have to suppose he would only be doing it for the money."

Steward may oppose a fight being made but the revered trainer is far from dismissive when it comes to rating Haye's chances against the more experienced Vitali.

"Vitali is bigger and hits hard but he comes straight in and doesn't have the same balance and elusive movement as Wladimir," he said.

"So David might give him a little more trouble. But that supposes he would come to fight this time, which on his performance against Wladimir is not certain."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.