• Heavyweight

Haye 'snubbed Vitali contract to fight Chisora'

ESPN staff
May 21, 2012
David Haye is in demand, despite 'retiring' from boxing in October 2011 © PA Photos
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David Haye passed on a deal to fight Vitali Klitschko in order to go after Dereck Chisora, according to Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente.

Haye retired from boxing in October 2011, sticking to his plan to hang up his gloves when he turned 31, but said he would return to the ring if a meeting with one of the Klitschkos became possible.

However, Haye has opted to face Dereck Chisora, who lost to Klitschko during February, at Upton Park on July 14. That fight is being sanctioned by the Luxembourg Boxing Federation because neither man possesses a British licence.

The bout has been condemned by the WBC, which has said it will ban anyone involved - and that is quite an obstacle for Haye, as Klitschko is the WBC heavyweight champion.

"There was a contract from us for [Haye] to fight Vitali in September but he chose to fight Chisora instead because it's an easier task," Boente said.

"I think he never really wanted to fight Vitali. The guy is always talking. He barks like a dog and he does that because he is mostly afraid.

"I don't think it [Haye-Vitali] will happen. It will definitely not happen in September because we are already talking to a couple of different opponents for then and it is too close for Haye to fight him after his fight against Chisora.

"Wladimir [Klitschko] will never fight him again. Why should he? There are no questions left for him to answer and Vitali ... If he is elected in October he will quit his career, for sure."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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