By Terence Dooley
As previously reported on BoxingScene.com - Bernd Boente, the manager of the Klitschko brothers, has insisted that David Haye's retirement plans could hinge on his ongoing discussions over a potential bout between former WBA champion Haye and WBC boss Vitali Klitschko. Haye failed to fire in his challenge to consensus titlist Wladimir Klitschko in July but is trying to negotiate another bite of the cherry via a bout with the older brother.
"If there is a fight against Vitali the option is still there (for Haye). Vitali wants to finish what his brother didn't do - by getting the knockout. David likes Vitali's style and says it will fit him more so let us see who is right after the fight. If they are to fight in February we have to move quickly so we can have the first press conference after Wladimir's fight on December 10th - we have to move quickly," said Boente when speaking to Sky Sports News.
London's 'Hayemaker' created a flurry of headlines this morning after emailing the BBBoC to confirm that he will not renew his boxing license. The assumption is that this will lead to a retirement announcement later this week yet there is every chance that Haye, who has nothing to offer Vitali going into this one, is trying to force Vitali's hand by playing his last remaining card - the retirement threat.
Haye, though, has little space for maneuver, the manner of his defeat to Wlad, combined with the infamous 'toe-gate' excuse for his inability to fire, have reduced David to a figure of mirth in some quarters. The Londoner is minus a title, has little heavyweight pedigree and is completely dependent on Vitali's desire to make this contest. Given that Haye values his independence, and repeatedly stated that he would not sell his soul for a Klitschko fight, it could be that Vitali is coming the hound on Haye when offering terms for this meeting.
However, beggars can not be choosers; Haye may have hoped to gain some bargaining power by threatening to quit the sport, he could be left with egg on his face if Vitali stands firm in the face of Haye's reduced bargaining power.
Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk
