By David P. Greisman
David Haye needed six stitches over his left eye after being cut while sparring in training camp, an injury that has led to the postponement of his scheduled Sept. 28 bout with heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury, according to Haye’s website.
“Gutted isn't even the word,” Haye was attributed as saying in a statement posted on his website that was accompanied by a photo of the stitched-up cut. “Mentally, I'm on the floor at the moment. I'm devastated most of all for my loyal fans, my family and my team, as well as Tyson Fury and his team.
“I know injuries and cuts are part and parcel of our sport, but this doesn't change the feeling of disappointment and sadness I'm experiencing right now. To everyone who has bought tickets, booked hotels, and followed this fight since it was announced, there is absolutely nothing I can do except apologise from the very bottom of my heart,” he said.
Tyson Fury commented briefly on Twitter on Saturday: “Sorry for every(one) who bought tickets & hotels,” he wrote. “Haye excuses (are) boring. He don’t want to fight me!”
Haye, 32, last fought more than a year ago, when he scored a fifth-round technical knockout over Dereck Chisora. That brought the former cruiserweight champion and former heavyweight titleholder’s record to 26-2 with 24 knockouts.
Fury, 25, stopped Steve Cunningham in April to move to 21-0 with 15 knockouts.
Pick up a copy of David’s new book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” at http://bit.ly/fightingwordsamazon. Send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com
