• Boxing

Klitschko pulls plug on Chisora fight

ESPN staff
March 5, 2011
Wladimir Klitschko has pulled out of his fight with Dereck Chisora for a second time © Getty Images
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Wladimir Klitschko has pulled out of his world heavyweight title defence against Dereck Chisora, fuelling speculation that the Ukrainian is on the brink of agreeing a unification showdown with David Haye.

It is the second time Klitschko has pulled out of his fight with Brit Chisora - having been forced to postpone the original bout in December on account of an abdominal injury.

But having rearranged the fight for April 30, Klitschko has pulled out once more, with his doctor claiming the IBF and WBO champion is still not fully fit.

"Considering the current clinical picture, it is difficult to predict a precise time of rehabilitation," said Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt. "The start of a training camp at this time for a fight in April would be too much of a high risk."

The news comes days after it was revealed Klitschko and Haye's camps are close to agreeing a unification bout on July 2.

One sticking point appeared to be the venue, with both fighters wanting to fight on home soil, but with Haye now willing to fight Klitschko in his own backyard, Klitschko hinted that Mannheim could host the heavyweight showdown.

"I am very sorry about cancelling the fight - especially for all fans in the already sold-out SAP arena in Mannheim," Klitschko said. "I have already fought there three times, 2006 I became world champion in this arena. However, I am optimistic that soon we'll have an event in Mannheim."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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