• Heavyweight

Vitali v Haye likely as WBC lifts ban

ESPN staff
August 31, 2012
David Haye knocked out Dereck Chisora in July © PA Photos
Enlarge

The WBC has softened its stance and opened the door for David Haye to face its heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.

Earlier this year, the WBC insisted that anyone involved in the Haye v Dereck Chisora fight, which Haye won during July, would be banned by the organisation.

Haye v Chisora took place in London under the jurisdiction of the Luxembourg Boxing Council, because neither man held a British licence.

A statement on the WBC website read: "WBC president Jose Sulaiman spoke with British boxer David Haye, who wants to return to fight for our organization, during his stay in London.

"The WBC was the first boxing organization in recognising David as world champion, when he conquered the cruiserweight title in 2007. Then Haye fought in the heavyweight division, and now he wants a fresh championship shot against current champion Vitali Klitschko.

"The talk was amicable and David Haye is welcome to return to the WBC."

Haye remains without a British licence as he is technically retired from the sport, but could apply for one in order to face Klitschko. He claims he would break his retirement, which began in October 2011, for a second time in order to go after Klitschko.

The Ukrainian faces Manuel Charr next month, after which he has been linked with a move to full-time politics - although he has also expressed a desire to knock Haye out.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices