By Ruslan Chikov

Bernd Boente, the manager of IBF/IBO/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has confirmed that negotiations have begun with the handlers of WBA champion David Haye. They have been talking on the phone, but plan to hold a meeting in the near future.

"Negotiations with the team of David Haye have actually began. While we've had telephone conversations, very soon we shall meet for a more substantial discussion," Boente told FE in Ukraine.

Las Vegas has been mentioned as a possible location for the fight. Boente says there is no chance that Klitschko will face Haye in a Las Vegas venue. They are not against fighting in the United States. The prefered American venue is Madison Square Garden in New York City.

"I can tell you unequivocally that we are not even considering Las Vegas as being among the cities where Wladimir Klitschko can fight Haye. Moreover, our plans do not include carrying the fight to America. If this fight takes place, then certainly it will be in Europe. It can be in London or Dusseldorf or the Schalke stadium in Gelsenkirchen," Boente said.