• David Haye v Tyson Fury

Haye an embarrassment to British boxing - Peter Fury

ESPN staff
November 18, 2013
Peter Fury chats to ESPN's Steve Bunce about David Haye's decision


Trainer Peter Fury has hit out at David Haye's decision to pull out of a fight with Tyson Fury for a second time, branding the situation as "embarrassing" and "bad for British boxing".

Former world heavyweight champion Haye pulled out of the rescheduled February 8 bout after undergoing five hours of shoulder surgery in Germany. Haye is now reportedly considering doctors' advice to retire from the sport.

The pair were originally set to go toe-to-toe in Manchester in September, but the fight had to be rearranged for 2014 after Haye suffered a cut in sparring.

Fury Jr maintained Haye was "scared" of him and had no intention to fight, while his trainer speculated the 'Hayemaker' may have been offered a better deal elsewhere - possibly with one of the Klitschko brothers.

When asked about his initial reaction to the news of Haye's withdrawal, Fury Sr told Buncey's Boxing Podcast: "A big loud laugh. Simple as that, it was expected. It is comical beyond belief, it is what it is.

"It is embarrassing, embarrassing on their part, not ours. For us, it is just a laugh; we knew all along it wasn't happening, since the cut [that Haye suffered in sparring]. It is embarrassing, bad for British boxing as a whole.

"You'd have thought when they re-signed [the contract], they'd have to warn us of this injury. But instead, there is absolutely nothing, they then pull this ridiculous thing. When you sign a boxing contract, the only way you can get out of it is by injury.

"He didn't want to fight in the first place, that is reality. He's probably had a better offer, he's not going to retire and will fight next year.

"I think it is terrible for boxing, when you have someone who's not really interested, looking for the best pay packet and celebrity status without fighting. He doesn't want to take a risk without a sure bet. If he fights Klitschko, it will be for a world title. If he loses he can hold his head up.

"He's a big let-down, I'm over the moon this has come to an end. We knew from the re-sign of the contract it wouldn't happen, but we signed it just to see him squirm and do these ridiculous things in public. We're happy and content with that. On we move from this fiasco set up and let's move on and fight. Win for fail, Tyson will be getting in there."

While Fury's camp will be furious over wasted money and time spent training, both fighter and trainer have indicated a willingness to fight in February -and both would relish a bout with unbeaten American Deontay Wilder.

"We're looking at next year, we're going to take it easy," Fury Sr said. "We knew it was going to happen; we've got a plan B in process. We're looking to get Tyson out against Deontay Wilder at MEN Arena [in Manchester] to keep the fans happy.

"Tyson is up for all of the big fights: Klitschko,[Chris] Arreola, Wilder, whoever the best deal is, we'll take it. Hopefully we'll get it in Manchester."

Meanwhile, Frank Warren has challenged Fury Jr to take on a rematch with Dereck Chisora. Fury defeated Chisora by unanimous decision in 2011 to claim the British heavyweight title.

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