David Haye Speaks: Retirement Delayed for Six Months for Another Klitschko Shot

by Scott Christ on Sep 10, 2011 3:34 PM EDT in Boxing News Analysis

David Haye is delaying his retirement in hopes of fighting one of the Klitschko brothers in the next six months. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Former cruiserweight world champion and WBA heavyweight titlist David Haye has spoken as his own retirement deadline in October has drawn near, and says that he's extending that deadline another six months, and that he hopes to fight one of the Klitschko brothers next.

"If I am given a rematch against Wladimir -- which I do not believe I will -- or Vitali will fight me, I will postpone my retirement for six months," Haye told German daily Bild.

Haye said his decision to delay his plans was influenced by family and advice from Britain's former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis, who earned a sixth-round technical knock-out against Vitali Klistchko eight years ago.

"I've reconsidered everything after talking to my family and meeting with Lennox Lewis in Montego Bay, Jamaica," said Haye.

"We chilled out there and Lennox gave me some tips on how to beat Vitali, just like he did in 2003."

Haye (25-2, 23 KO) is coming off of a disappointing 12-round decision loss to Wladimir Klitschko on July 2, in a mega-hyped fight that couldn't live up to the billing but did make a boatload of money. Haye said after that he wanted a rematch, but Team Klitschko balked at that idea and suggested that Haye instead fight Vitali Klitschko.

That now appears to be a reality. If Vitali Klitschko wins today as expected against Tomasz Adamek, a fight with Haye would make fine sense next for Vitali. It would be a money-maker again, in part because Vitali is known as the hotter-headed Klitschko brother, and has made clear that he wants to finish off the mouth Brit by knocking him out, which Wladimir did not do.

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I hope this happens, mainly so Vitali can finish what Wladimir started.
I think the main stumbling block will be Haye over-valuing himself in the contract negotitations, as usual.
Surely he won’t be expecting 50/50 again? I would bet his delusions of grandeur have not subsided one bit.

by Matt Mosley on Sep 10, 2011 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

Uhhm. Yes, I’d like Vitali to KTFO him too. But I wouldn’t like him to collect that payday. I mean, it’s so obvious that anything that guy says isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. He shouldn’t keep getting away with that so easily.
The last interview I read involving him, he was bitterly complaining that he never had a chance in the fight against WK cause everyone was against him – the crowd, the judges, the ref.
I don’t wanna hear him whine any more.

"Sure, there have been injuries and deaths in boxing – but none of them serious." Alan Minter

by DrHenrik on Sep 10, 2011 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

I’ve never considered myself as a legend – just a simple man with heart.

by Chorongota on Sep 10, 2011 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair point.
I didn’t know about the whinging/excuses, but i should have expected it from a guy like Haye.

by Matt Mosley on Sep 11, 2011 3:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Does anyone in this solar system care what Haye says?

If so, please raise your hands.

by DrRck on Sep 10, 2011 7:47 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

i hope this fight happens

so haye can break his toe again… this time from falling over awkwardly when vitali knocks him the freak out. having his jaw broken wouldn’t bother me too much either. usually fighter’s talk doesn’t bother me much, but when a fighter keeps making the ridiculous excuses he’s made…

break him, vitali.

You cannot walk if you fear to crush the ant in your wake.

by hanboxer on Sep 10, 2011 9:02 PM EDT reply actions