• Boxing

Haye suggests Klitschko deal is close

ESPN staff
February 25, 2011
Could David Haye v Wladimir Klitschko finally be about to happen?
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David Haye has fuelled speculation that he has returned to the negotiating table with Wladimir Klitschko over a heavyweight unification fight.

Hopes of a clash between the two appeared to have evaporated when Haye confirmed he had turned his attention to Alexander Povetkin and Ruslan Chagaev for a May 21 defence of the WBA title.

But reports now indicate that date will be used by a Frank Warren promotion, suggesting that the Haye camp is keen on agreeing a July 2 battle with Klitschko.

Haye had previously doubted whether his Ukrainian rival would be willing to enter the ring so soon after his fight with Dereck Chisora on April 30, which will have the WBO and IBF titles on the line.

The Klitschko camp has agreed for one of the brothers - Wladimir or Vitali - to face Tomasz Adamek in September, while Haye will retire from the sport in October at the age of 31.

All these factors conspire to make July 2 the only feasible date for Haye-Klitschko - and now it seems the beleaguered heavyweight division may get the fight it needs.

Haye said on Twitter: "Does some well overdue Klit licking potentially being on the horizon be something you may be interested in.... ???".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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