David Haye Doesn't Renew Boxing License, Sort of Retires

David Haye has not renewed his license with the British Boxing Board of Control, which does technically make him retired, kind of. From RingTV.com:

"I received an email on Monday advising me Haye would not be carrying on," confirmed BBBC secretary Robert Smith. "The board will consider it on Wednesday. But there is no way we could go against his wish not to renew his boxing license. Without it, he cannot fight."

Word is that Haye (25-2, 23 KO) would come back for a fight with one of the Klitschko brothers, which most likely would be against WBC titlist Vitali Klitschko, who greatly desires a chance to knock Haye out and finish the job that brother Wladimir started on July 2 in Germany. Wladimir defeated Haye by dominant unanimous decision.

Haye always said he'd retire on his 31st birthday, which is Thursday. He's been talking about fighting Vitali, but no deal has come about just yet. Whether or not one still will is another matter -- it could happen, but Haye has balked at Klitschko contract terms in the past, and other fighters have expressed the same concerns about the level of control they have to give the brothers to land fights with them, too. It's not just Haye. He managed a 50-50 deal with Wladimir, but Haye now holds no title belts and embarrassed himself somewhat with his non-performance against Wladimir, too.

Haye and manager/trainer Adam Booth are expected to make a formal announcement on Thursday.