By Frank Warren

AMERICAN TV paymasters HBO have pulled the plug on heavyweight boxing.

They say not enough people are interested in the States.

It is a blow to the division and especially to the Klitschko brothers, who have benefited most from the broadcasters' money.

Yet they will not be on the breadline just yet. Their fights in Germany attract crowds in excess of 60,000, as well as getting massive viewing figures on German TV.

The only way HBO will reverse their decision is if one of the Klitschkos fights David Haye or an American star hits the scene.

At the moment, neither seems likely.

Both Vitali and Wladimir want the Haye fight but it looks like The Haye-maker is stalling. This week he said he would not bow to the brothers' unreasonable financial demands.

It appears the nub of their dispute is how television money should be split.

Haye wants all the British TV revenue and says the Klitschkos can keep all the German cash. But the Klitschkos want 50-50 across the board.

It does not seem a huge stumbling block to me, as that was the deal when Ricky Hatton fought Manny Pacquiao.

The Klitschkos are the bigger draw and Haye, if he wants the fight, should cede some ground.

After all, he has agreed to fight both brothers for less money in the past only to back out.

Haye also has only one of the world titles, with the brothers holding the other three. I don't see where else he is going to get a better offer.

Another problem is that German outfit Sauerland Promotions have a stake in Haye's next two fights, while Golden Boy also say they have the US rights to represent Haye there.

Kalle Sauerland said: "David is keen on fighting one of the Klitschko brothers. But the devil is in the financial details."

So what is Haye's next move? There was talk of a fight with Audley Harrison. But Haye poured cold water on the match by stating he would 'never' share a ring with Harrison because Audley did not deserve the chance.

A lot of people, me included, will agree. The question is, who will be in the opposite corner to Haye in November?

NATH IS A CLEVER LAD

NEW maths graduate Nathan Cleverly is now concentrating on his light-heavyweight division.

The British and European champion goes for the WBO interim title on September 18, with top Yank Chad Dawson and Commonwealth champ Tony Bellew looming.

MALARIA BOUT

WHEN Amir Khan was told he could be 'fighting malaria', he asked: "Can he punch?"

I'm joking! Hopefully his four-month layoff will not hold him back too much.

MIKE TO MECCA

MIKE TYSON has just completed a pilgrimage to Mecca. He converted to Islam while imprisoned for rape in the 1990s.

Tyson says, despite recent gossip, he won't fight again.