• Heavyweight

Bonte rules out fight with 'loser' Haye

ESPN staff
February 2, 2012
Wladimir Klitschko outclassed David Haye last summer © PA Photos
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David Haye's chances of securing a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko or a fight with his brother Vitali have been dealt a huge blow by the Ukrainians' manager.

Haye - who was beaten by Wladimir last year - is ready to come out of retirement and the brothers' manager Bernd Bonte has confirmed talks have taken place, but claims the sums do not add up.

"The difference is all about the numbers," Bonte told the Daily Mail. "Haye is asking for so much money that it is impossible. He wants an impossible guarantee plus half the British television rights while we do all the work and take on all the costs.

"The financial risk for us of going anywhere near his demands would be far too great. We just don't know what he could bring to the event.

"And frankly, the only reason another fight with Haye was even considered was because Vitali was so keen to knock him out after all his insults."

Bonte claims a "very good offer" was made to Haye, but he has moved on after the British fighter's camp pushed back.

He said: "Why would we seek publicity through a loser? We made a very good offer considering he is a loser with a little toe excuse.

"We moved once but we won't move again. It's ridiculous. If they don't come back with something realistic this fight will never happen.

"And I do not expect them to do so. Haye is scared to fight Vitali and is pricing himself out of the market.

"Our two sides are so far apart that from this moment there is no chance of this fight ever taking place."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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