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Klitschko hints at Haye defence
BBC SPORTS: Klitschko hints at Haye defence
"Klitschko took 11 rounds to overcome a poor opponent in Thompson
Wladimir Klitschko has hinted that Britain's David Haye could be in line for a shot at his WBO and IBF titles.
Klitschko was unconvincing in defeating American challenger Tony Thompson in 11 rounds on Saturday and is expected to fight Russia's Alexander Povetkin next.
But the Ukrainian heavyweight said that the 27-year-old Haye is one of several other fighters also in the frame.
"David Haye was here in Hamburg and he wants to fight me. He is one of the candidates," said the 32-year-old.
Haye is stepping up to heavyweight and says he is desperate to fight Klitschko after seeing plenty of weaknesses in his fight against Thompson.
"If he fights me in the same way he fought that guy he will be knocked out in three rounds," said Haye.
"He has got the perfect style for me. I don't want him to have any more fights before me as I don't want someone else to do what I will do against him."
606: DEBATE
What did you think of Klitschko's performance against Thompson?
Thompson, 36, had a promising opening round but the 6ft 6in Klitschko quickly seized control, despite suffering a cut to his eye in the early rounds.
The champion's power wore down Thompson as the fight progressed, with Klitschko easily outboxing his tiring rival.
But Klitschko struggled to put away his opponent before finally ending his misery after 11 rounds.
"It was a tough fight and Thompson put on a great defensive effort," said Klitschko.
"It is not so easy to defend all the titles and it has been a while since I last had a black eye so today I really look like a boxer."
Klitschko will have done little with his showing to put any fear into his rivals in the weight division.
"I am very disappointed because I am not the heavyweight champion of the world but today Klitschko was the better fighter," said Thompson.
"He was very well prepared. At the end I got tired. I don't know why. It happens and I have to accepted it."
Klitschko now has a record of 51 wins and three defeats".
"Klitschko took 11 rounds to overcome a poor opponent in Thompson
Wladimir Klitschko has hinted that Britain's David Haye could be in line for a shot at his WBO and IBF titles.
Klitschko was unconvincing in defeating American challenger Tony Thompson in 11 rounds on Saturday and is expected to fight Russia's Alexander Povetkin next.
But the Ukrainian heavyweight said that the 27-year-old Haye is one of several other fighters also in the frame.
"David Haye was here in Hamburg and he wants to fight me. He is one of the candidates," said the 32-year-old.
Haye is stepping up to heavyweight and says he is desperate to fight Klitschko after seeing plenty of weaknesses in his fight against Thompson.
"If he fights me in the same way he fought that guy he will be knocked out in three rounds," said Haye.
"He has got the perfect style for me. I don't want him to have any more fights before me as I don't want someone else to do what I will do against him."
606: DEBATE
What did you think of Klitschko's performance against Thompson?
Thompson, 36, had a promising opening round but the 6ft 6in Klitschko quickly seized control, despite suffering a cut to his eye in the early rounds.
The champion's power wore down Thompson as the fight progressed, with Klitschko easily outboxing his tiring rival.
But Klitschko struggled to put away his opponent before finally ending his misery after 11 rounds.
"It was a tough fight and Thompson put on a great defensive effort," said Klitschko.
"It is not so easy to defend all the titles and it has been a while since I last had a black eye so today I really look like a boxer."
Klitschko will have done little with his showing to put any fear into his rivals in the weight division.
"I am very disappointed because I am not the heavyweight champion of the world but today Klitschko was the better fighter," said Thompson.
"He was very well prepared. At the end I got tired. I don't know why. It happens and I have to accepted it."
Klitschko now has a record of 51 wins and three defeats".
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