Klitschko vs. Haye is Getting Closer as Deadline Looms

By Mark Vester

The bout that never seems to get finalized, Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye, is currently being negotiated and the two sides are close to a deal. Klitschko hopes to defend his IBF/WBO heavyweight titles against Haye on June 20. A venue based in German is likely to host the fight.

"As before, the rival we would like to have is David Haye. We are still working on that," said Bernd Boente, Klitschko's manager, to reporters.

After negotiations fell apart two weeks ago, Klitschko gave Haye a deadline of March 21 to reach a deal. If Haye fails to reach a deal, Klitschko will look for a new opponent. According to Boente, the likely opponent would become WBO mandatory Alexander Povetkin, who returns to action on April 4.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer is handling the negotiations for Haye. He recently told boxing scribe Doug Fischer that deal for the Haye fight was close and the contracts could get signed any day now.

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