• Boxing

Haye in talks with Povetkin over May 21 clash

ESPN staff
February 17, 2011
Alexander Povetkin got the better of Chris Byrd in 2007 © Getty Images
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Alexander Povetkin's camp have confirmed that they are in preliminary discussions with David Haye over a May 21 clash for the WBA heavyweight title.

After negotiations with the Klitschkos collapsed, Haye looked set to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev - but that fight is in jeopardy, with Chagaev unlikely to be permitted to box in the UK due to his Hepatitis B status.

So Haye now turns his attention to Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic champion who carries an unblemished record that features triumphs against Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers.

Povetkin, ranked second by the WBA, is able to empathise with Haye's struggle to secure a showdown with a Klitschko, having previously baulked at the Ukrainians' demands when it came to discussing terms.

"Preparations have already been outlined with a plan to fight Haye, but we'll play it out if we feel confident that the fight will happen," said Povetkin's manager Vladimir Hryunov. "For now, I cannot assess the chances of Alexander in the fight against Haye. But when the fight is certain, we will proceed to implement the plan.

"The most realistic scenario is the fight takes place on British soil. You have to understand that David Haye dictates the time. However, based on the initial contacts with our camp, I can say that negotiations about a possible fight will be more enjoyable and more effective than our previous talks with the management of the Klitschko brothers."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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