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Haye to begin talks with Klitschko camp on Wednesday

David Haye wants Vitali Klitschko next © Getty Images

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David Haye's manager Adam Booth will begin talking with the Klitschko camp on Wednesday about a future showdown after Wladimir publicly called out Haye via a youtube message on Monday.

Haye made the first defence of his WBA world heavyweight title against John Ruiz on April 3, stopping the veteran in the ninth round to send a message to the Klitschko brothers. Haye plans to retire before his 31st birthday and, with only 18 months remaining, he is desperate to unify the heavyweight titles.

Wladimir called The Hayemaker out on Monday, declaring "you can't run away from me forever" before asking "what are you waiting for?" Booth had a sharp response for Wladimir, insisting it is the IBF, IBO and WBO world champion who is shirking the big fights.

"It's funny that Wladimir says 'on behalf of the boxing fans'," quipped Booth on Sky Sports News. "Maybe on behalf of the boxing fans Wladimir can sort out with his brother which one is world champion. Maybe they can have a scrap first. It can be in their back garden for all I care, the mum can referee, but just sort out which one is better.

"The winner can fight David. If they don't want to have a scrap, maybe one brother can give the other his belt so David can unify this mess in one punch. Wladimir seems to want the fight now, which is fantastic. If he genuinely wants the fight, the ball's in our court and that's where we like it."

However, in an ideal world Booth admitted it is Vitali that Haye wants to fight, because that would hand the Briton a shot at the WBC heavyweight title. Booth plans to get things moving in the next 48 hours, and he admits an agreement could be reached soon.

"The last talk we had with the Klitschko brothers was regarding Vitali because the WBC and WBA are the two major titles are far as we're concerned. Vital holds the most significant belt in our eyes.

"I had a call from their adviser last week just after David's win and we agreed we would speak this Wednesday, but obviously Wladimir couldn't wait that long. Over the next couple of days we'll be looking at what direction David is going. If that involves a Klitschko, I'll give [manager] Shelley Finkel a call. We're not far away, that's for sure."

One man who will not share the ring with Haye is Audley Harrison, despite the Olympic gold medallist calling out Haye after his 12th-round KO of Michael Sprott for the European heavyweight title.

"Audley's not on our radar. He's never boxed anybody in the world top 20," added Booth. "In David's last 16 fights, he's fought 11 fighters ranked in the top 15. As far as David's legacy is concerned, with respect to being the best fighter he can be and facing the best opponents, I don't think he gets anything out of fighting Audley."

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