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Haye keeps door open for Vitali

David Haye has been frustrated in his attempts to arrange a bout with either Klitschko brother © Getty Images

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David Haye would still be prepared to fight Vitali Klitschko if the Ukrainian beats Odlanier Solis in his next bout, according to his manager and trainer Adam Booth.

A fight between the Englishman and either Klitschko brother has looked increasingly unlikely in recent weeks, with Haye determined to retire before the end of the year and all three fighters having already lined up other bouts.

Wladimir Klitschko has agreed a re-arranged fight with Dereck Chisora for April 30, while Vitali will face Solis in Germany on March 19. WBA champion Haye is in discussions for his own fight with mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev, after negotiations to face Wladimir fell apart, but Booth - who has attracted criticism from Frank Warren over his negotiating technique in recent weeks - maintains hope a meeting with Vitali could yet be around the corner.

"The Wladimir Klitschko fight is dead in the water," Booth said. "He didn't want it, simple as that, but David Haye's career does not revolve around him. Unlike all the 50-odd opponents who Wladimir has fought, David is not going to sit around waiting for him. And for Chisora's promoter, Frank Warren, to call me the hardest person to deal with in boxing, I take it as a compliment.

"Vitali Klitschko's fight with Solis for the WBC title is interesting because, if Vitali wins, David would love to take him on. If Solis wins, it would be a repeat of their amateur fight."

A bout with Chagaev still looks most likely to be Haye's next fight, although if the British Boxing Federation prevent it from taking place in England due to concerns about Chagaev's health - the Uzbekh has had a series of problems with hepatitis in the past - that could cause a rethink.

"The other option is Chagaev, but we need to see what the British Boxing board say about clearing him here to fight," Booth said.

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