Vitali Klitschko vs David Haye: Rumors Continue, Adam Booth Says Haye Remains Retired

Sky Sports reports this morning that though the rumors continue and Adam Booth says that he has, in fact, communicated with Vitali Klitschko's team about a possible fight between Vitali and David Haye, right now there's nothing solid, and Haye remains retired. Booth also says Haye recently struggled in the gym:

"Yes I've had phone calls and communication. But as far as I'm concerned at the moment, the fight isn't happening and David is retired. That's all I can say. It's not for me to say, it's for David to say - it makes no difference to me."

... [Booth] joked Haye "wheezed his way through" a couple of rounds [sparring with George Groves] last week, (saying) the heavyweight soon realised "how far back it is from retirement."

I think it's obvious that there's interest from both sides, and that right now the fight is being discussed. If it does happen, March was the earlier target date. It's big money for both, and if Haye wants to fight, he's not going to get a bigger or better offer anywhere else. The only notable thing he can do is come back against the other Klitschko brother and give a better performance the second time out.

But let's address that last part. Unless Haye has really let himself go physically, which given recent photos I've seen of him does not appear to be the case, this "how far back it is from retirement" jive is kind of funny. Haye has been "retired" for all of a few weeks. He announced the retirement in October. And his last fight was on July 2.

How is that really any different? I'm sure if he hasn't been working out like usual, he'd need time to get back to his old speed, but we're talking about one of the most well-conditioned athletes in the sport. Haye is noted for his fitness, his physique, and his athleticism. There would be time.

Haye hasn't had more than two fights in a calendar year since 2006. He fought twice in 2007, twice in 2008, once in 2009, twice in 2010 (if you want to count the Audley Harrison farce). It's been four months since the fight with Wladimir. The idea that he's remarkably far off seems a bit of a stretch. This isn't like if Oscar De La Hoya or Joe Calzaghe or Ricky Hatton got back in a ring tomorrow.

If Haye is even remotely close to in shape, which I'm sure he is, he's got plenty of time to get himself ready for a Vitali Klitschko fight if he wants one. But he needn't force himself into it, either. It's not like there's some huge public demand for him anymore.