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

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.