The Klitschkos' manager Bernd Boente has told Sky Sports News that a fight between Vitali and David Haye is still very much on. Boente revealed that negotiations are in progress and he had spoken to Haye's promoter/trainer Adam Booth "five minutes ago".

Boente insists that although Haye is set to announce his retirement on his 31st birthday on Thursday, the British former world WBA heavyweight champion would fight again if a contest against Vitali could be arranged. Boente suggested the fight would take place in February or March in a football stadium in Germany.

Asked what are the chances of the fight taking place, Boente replied: "If the business case is realistic for both fighters - 100%."

Haye lost his WBA title on points in a unification fight against WBO and IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko in July. Haye has long insisted that he would not fight on past his 31st birthday and British Boxing Board of Control secretary Robert Smith told The Sun on Tuesday that the 'Hayemaker' had informed him that he would not be fighting again.

However, the latest development suggests that Haye is prepared to postpone his retirement in order to take on WBC champion Vitali - if a deal for the fight can be agreed.

Boente told Sky Sports News: "David Haye's manager Adam Booth always told me that he will officially retire on Thursday... but that he would definitely come back if there is a fight against Vitali or a rematch against Wladimir. So this option is still there.
Constant contact

"Adam and myself actually just spoke with each other and we are in constant contact. We are still waiting for some numbers from British TV and then we'll see if the business case is realistic and then we will do the fight or Vitali will fight another opponent in February or March next year.

"A rematch with Wladimir makes no sense because there are no questions after the first fight and you can only promote a fight if there is a certain thrill.

"But against Vitali it's different. Vitali has a totally different style. Vitali said after the fight (in July) he wants to finish what his brother didn't do, meaning knock out David Haye and David said he likes Vitali's style, that would fit him more."