• Boxing

I will fight Haye in July - Wladimir

ESPN staff
January 6, 2011
Wladimir Klitschko is confident he will fight David Haye this year © Getty Images
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Wladimir Klitschko insists a heavyweight unification bout with David Haye is still on the cards despite agreeing to fight Dereck Chisora in April.

Klitschko and Haye's camps appeared to be closing in on a deal, but hopes of a spring fight were dealt a knockout blow when it was confirmed on Wednesday that Klitschko would honour his agreement to fight Chisora, who he was due to fight in December before pulling out with an abdominal injury.

Haye's manager Adam Booth labelled the news a disgrace, but Klitschko claims he will take on WBA champion Haye at the beginning of July.

April 30 was initially the date pencilled in for a Haye-Klitschko fight, but Haye was reportedly concerned over the date clashing with the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.

"The fight with Haye is not off, the fight is on," Klitschko told examiner.com. "We had to get clearance on a date with Sky TV for pay per view in the UK and they we were concerned about conflicting with the upcoming royal wedding.

"So the wedding is set for the end of April and we got clearance on a fight date of July 2, for sure. I will fight Chisora on an April date, in Germany. Then we will move forward with Haye."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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