• Boxing

Haye thinks I'm weaker than Vitali - Wladimir

ESPN staff
March 19, 2011
Wladimir Klitschko will face David Haye in May or June this year © PA Photos
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Wladimir Klitschko has accused David Haye of deciding to fight him this summer because he is the weaker of the two siblings.

Vitali produced a striking reminder of his quality by stopping Odlanier Solis in the first round of the WBC heavyweight title clash, leaving him on track to face Haye later this year.

But first Haye will take to the ring against WBO and IBF champion Wladimir, before turning his attention to Vitali ahead of the Brit's retirement in October.

"It's always very difficult to handle who is going to fight David Haye next, between me and Vitali," Wladimir said. "David chose Wladimir, the weakest one, because after this performance he's definitely going to say to Vitali, 'maybe [I'll fight you] down the road, but Wladimir is next because he is younger and weaker'."

Meanwhile, Wladimir leapt to the defence of Solis, who was unable to beat the referee's count after being struck with an overhand right that sapped the strength from his legs. After the fight, Vitali said he had "no idea" whether Solis had decided to quit.

"Solis looked very good - you could see in the first combinations that he was actually catching Vitali," Wladimir said. "But Vitali just hit the button, and in the heavyweight division these things happen."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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