By Phil D. Jay
Former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye has spoken out in favour of a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko after talk of a possible bout with older brother Vitali began to sweep across the media. The 30 year-old, who admits he may only have a few months left in boxing, is still harbouring hopes that he can persuade Wladimir, 35, to put his belts on the line for his last fight.
The ‘Hayemaker’ lost a one-sided points decision at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg to the Ukrainian four-belt champion almost a month ago and has understandably kept a low profile since. The Briton now hopes that Klitschko will see the logic in a second bout and has seemingly pushed aside talk of meeting his 40 year-old brother Vitali.
“Hopefully, Wlad looks at the numbers,” Haye told The Telegraph.
“There’s no one out there for him. Look at the sums. It makes economic sense. The ball is in his court.
“I have three and a half months left in boxing. Whether Wlad would want to do it again is another thing. Because he now has the titles, the contract would be difficult. It might seem trivial to you, but the Klitschkos are hard to deal with.”
Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente believes that a fight with WBC champion Vitali would be the bigger draw at this point and may offer Haye a shot at ‘Dr. Ironfist’ after his next defence against Tomasz Adamek on September 10th in Poland.
“I know Haye intends to retire in October, but the fight we would like to see is Vitali Klitschko against David Haye,” Boente said.
“But Vitali will first fight Adamek in October. Then I would like to see Haye versus Vitali.
“It is a fight I have in my mind, and it is definitely possible. I think it would be a good fight,and a great promotion - Haye’s chance to redeem himself against the other Klitschko,” added Boente.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net