By Chris LaBate
Adam Booth, manager and trainer of former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, has denied recently published reports that his fighter has resumed training for a possible fight with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko in March 2012. Haye, who last fought in July and suffered a twelve round decision loss to younger brother Wladimir Klitschko, announced his retirement from boxing in October. Booth does admit to receiving calls about a possible Vitali fight and conversations did take place, but no deal was ever reached.
"Yes I've had phone calls and communications but as far as I'm concerned at the moment, the fight isn't happening and David is retired," Booth told Sky Sports News. "That's all I can say at the moment."
Booth revealed that Haye recently trained for the first time in months, but he badly struggled during a sparring session, mostly due from being away from active training for an extended period of time.
"He came down the gym yesterday to watch George [Groves] spar, and all of a sudden he produced a gumshield out of his bag and did a couple of rounds with George," Booth explained. "After wheezing his way through two rounds I think he realized just how far back he has to come for a title."
