By Ruslan Chikov

The duel between WBA heavyweight champion David Haye and mandatory challenger Ruslan Chagaev could be heading to a purse bid. The promoter for Chagaev, Klaus-Peter Kohl of Universum, is very upset with some of the recent comments that came from Haye and his co-promoter, Sauerland Event.

Kohl read some comments where Wilfried and Kalle Sauerland were concerned with Chagaev's hepatitis B status. Chagaev's battle with hepatitis B derailed a rematch with Sauerland boxer Nikolai Valuev. Chagaev's hepatitis B did not prevent him from being an opponent for Wladimir Klitschko. The other problem Kohl had was Haye's demand for the fight to take place in England.

"I have read statements made by Wilfried Sauerland and his son Kalle, and they have left me very annoyed. Here is another attempt to get our boxer Ruslan Chagaev out of their way. We are not going to tolerate it a second time," Kohl said.

"According to the best virologists, he is not contagious. Here again, a campaign against Ruslan starts. I will not permit it this time. For me, this is a sign that David Haye and Sauerland fear that they are going to lose the belt and it could burst the big payday with Klitschko. Moreover, who says the fight against Haye will take place in England? If there is no agreement on the market, place and time - then the fight goes to a purse bid at the WBA's headquarters in Panama. And then the winning bidder has the right to make that decision."