David Haye & Vitali Klitschko talk business

It's been an interesting past few weeks for the Klitschko brothers, who saw their unquestionable dominance over the heavyweight division re-instated. Vitali slowly beat up Britain's Derek Chisora over 12 rounds to claim a unanimous decision victory, and on Saturday night younger brother Wladimir destroyed Jean-Marc Mormeck within 4 rounds. Accompanied with that is what happened post fight of Vitali vs Chisora, when proceedings were interrupted by none other than David Haye.

Despite Haye's pleas that he was only in the post fight press conference because of his media duties, I fully believe that he was there for one reason: to call out Vitali directly. The pair have a history of failed negotiations, but with Haye currently retired, at one point it looked as though the bout would never come to fruition. Vitali however seems completely dedicated to his aim in having the opportunity to knock Haye out. The elder brother has clearly not forgotten or forgiven Haye's actions during the long winded build up to his mega-showdown with Wladimir. Despite beating Haye comfortably over 12 rounds to secure his title, Wladimir reportedly apoligised to Vitali for not being able to send him to the canvas. This all came after the brothers intially flipped a coin to see who would be given the chance to fight Haye, and Vitali was left gutted when it wasn't him.

Haye on the otherhand has always been adamant that he would only come out of his apparent premature retirement, to fight either Vitali or Wladimir. Wladimir states he has no interest in showing the world something that he has already proved; that he is well ahead in terms of ability. So it would appear that the only way for Haye to reclaim the dignity he lost in his fight with a Klitschko the first time around, is to challenge Vitali and win. He has repeatedly tried to entice Vitali into a fight, and if the Ukranian needed any more reasons to wish for a fight to happen between the two, he has been fed them on a plate.

So it appears that both Haye and Klitschko are ready to rumble; Haye for the fact that if he retires now he will always be remembered as the guy who got to the top, and then embarrassed himself against Wladimir, and then blamed his toe, Vitali for the simple fact that his pride will not allow him to excuse Haye for his previous antics. You would think then that given both fighters are more than ready to step into the ring in opposing corners, the fight would only be one signed contract away. The reality however is far from that. As stated already, Haye and Vitali have had numerous talks, all of which have broken down for various reasons. Lately however, the lack of victims that are remotedly good enough to fight Vitali appears to have worn thin, and the possible match-up between himself and Haye has taken a turn for the serious.


While the Ukranian champion was being interviewed on RTL, Haye joined the conversation from his gym in London and immediately began attempting an over-the-phone negotiation in the most direct fashion. During the usual build up to the signing of a contract, there are many different legal advisors and promoters that all want their cut of the money, and so often get in the way. This is why it was perhaps the best thing for both Haye and Klitschko to do, state their intent and literally offer the fight out to each other, man to man. The bulk of the conversation went as such:

KLITSCHKO: "If the fighters want to fight with each other, then I see no reason that would prevent them from doing so. But, David, do not forget: you are no longer the champion."

HAYE: "I know that, but we agreed to everything with you people in December. Let's do it. Let us give the fans what they want."

KLITSCHKO: "Great. I would be happy to fight with you."

HAYE: "Well, when? And how is your shoulder?"

KLITSCHKO: "Do not worry, for the next fight I'll be in top form. I don't see much of a problem. If we both want to fight, I'd be ready for it in the next few months."

HAYE: "I am ready when you are, Vitali. When everything is agreed, then we'll have this fight for the fans. I would be very, very happy."

As far as the exchange between the two went, it's looking very promising. Fans, both of Klitschko and Haye, and neutral ones, would love to see a mega-fight between the two. Haye might have lost his last fight in less than spectacular fashion, and he's in no position to go out on his shield, but you can't deny that in the current era, he is one of the best the division has to offer. Klitschko needs only state interest in a fight and it will secure thousands of avid German fans who will quite literally empty out their pockets in order to watch either he or his brother claim their next victim.

Since Haye and Vitali have both signalled their desire to meet within the ring, and the matchup has all the ingredients of a blockbuster, why not? I for one would like to say, forget the promoters, legal advisors and money grabbers, just give the fans what they clearly want; a fighter who can stand against a Klitschko and actually have a punchers chance.