By Andrey Krikunov
On the eve of his bout with David Haye, WBA champion Nikolay Valuev discussed why a much discussed unification fight with WBC champ Vitali Klitschko didn’t happen.
“I thought a lot about Klitschko, - told the Russian boxer to Blik – "And I came to the conclusion that Vitali just didn’t want to meet me in the ring. His words that he doesn’t want to deal with Don King are just excuses. Me and my manager met and discussed it with both my promoters – Wilfried Sauerland and Don King – tree times. We talked about the bout with Klitschko and King promised to step aside from negotiations. Or does Vitali have problems with Sauerland too? Well, then I don’t know what to do”.
The Russian giant also admitted that the fight with Haye, which emerged rather unexpectedly, became sort of revenge on Klitschko. Valuev’s promoters offered larger purse to the Briton and he agreed to sign the contract at once.
“When I talked to Vitali in summer he told me that he was ready to fight me in autumn. But then I just couldn’t get in touch with him again. I personally called him on his mobile, but he didn’t pick up the phone" - says Nikolay. – "And then my promoter Wilfried Sauerland met Klitschko at the wedding of Boris Becker and offered him to discuss our possible fight. But Vitali just turned his back and walked away. That’s when we spoiled Klitscho’s own plans – we offered Haye bigger purse for the bout with me and he signed the contract at once”.
In spite of that Valuev still doesn’t completely discard the possibility of fight with Klitschko. “Now I have to beat Haye, and then I will cheer for Vitali in his bout with the American Kevin Johnson on December, 12. After that we can start our negotiations again. Of course if Vitali will have such desire [to fight]."
