• Boxing

Groves slams Vitali & 'unnatural fighter' Wlad

ESPN staff
June 29, 2011
George Groves is signed to David Haye's promotional company, Hayemaker © Getty Images
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Vitali Klitschko has no place in the build-up to brother Wladimir's fight with David Haye, according to British super-middleweight champion George Groves.

Groves, who is signed to Haye's promotional company, made the comments after Vitali confronted Haye at his final press conference with Wladimir in Germany.

Vitali stood up and asked Haye to promise that he would attend the post-match media briefing, to which Haye responded: "I'm coming for you after the fight.

"Don't go to the hospital with your brother. Make sure you're there, don't go with the ambulance."

Although Haye has been criticised for the callous nature of his comments, Groves believes the greater crime is Vitali's interference in the biggest night of Wladimir's career.

"If I was Wladimir, I'd say 'Leave him to me, I'm the man, I don't need your help or influence'," Groves told Sky Sports News. "But he's the big brother, he's probably looked after him all his life.

"Wladimir isn't a natural fighter, and he's the one he's got to fight David. He can't rely on anyone else."

Vitali has subsequently confirmed that he has no interest in facing Haye before the Brit retires in October.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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