clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Vitali Could Replace Wladimir Against David Haye

Vitali Klitschko could replace brother Wladimir against David Haye this summer. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Vitali Klitschko could replace brother Wladimir against David Haye this summer. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Bongarts/Getty Images
Scott Christ is the managing editor of Bad Left Hook and has been covering boxing for SB Nation since 2006.

With Wladimir Klitschko still a bit uneasy about fighting soon after having called off two fights with Dereck Chisora in December and April, word is out from the UK that Vitali Klitschko could step in and fight David Haye in late June or early July if Wladimir isn't ready.

From Sky and BBC:

"I'm still recovering after my injury and in a couple of weeks I will be fit and ready for the preparations."

However, the back-up plan is still on the agenda as he added: "If I can't perform then my brother will step in the ring because he's been in this division a very long time."

Those who remain highly skeptical will have a new reason to stay that way, as I can already imagine that unless this is a contractual requirement, Haye could balk at having to fight Vitali, when he signed to fight Wladimir. They're different fighters. Haye has in the past had fights lined up with both brothers. He pulled out of a signed deal with Wladimir after Setanta Sports went under, and bailed on a thought to be done fight with Vitali to instead fight Nikolai Valuev.

UK outlets are also still buying into the idea that Haye will indeed retire from boxing when he turns 30 in October, but speaking of skeptical, count me in there. If he were to retire without fighting one of the Klitschko brothers, it would essentially be like he never really fought, as successful as he's been. What would we remember?

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Bad Left Hook Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of all your global boxing news from Bad Left Hook