WBA heavyweight champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye has branded rival titleholder Wladimir Klitschko a ‘coward’, following the Ukrainian’s decision not to unify the belts in a 2011 showdown.
A bout between IBF and WBO kingpin Klitschko and Haye appeared close to completion earlier this week, but Wladimir instead decided on an April 30 title defence against Britain’s Dereck Chisora on Wednesday.
“We agreed to a date of July 2nd at a venue in Germany with both Sky Sports and RTL and everybody appeared happy with the deal,” said a bemused Haye.
“We made a few concessions to remove past stumbling blocks and were happy to do so, as it finally looked like the fight would get made. “Even through negotiations, though, it was clear Wladimir was looking for the coward’s way out. He would often come up with new obstacles and problems to overcome, and I never once sensed he fancied it.
“He refused to come to England, wanted to pick his own gloves, enter the ring second, box out of the red corner and demanded a German doctor. We bowed to each and every one of his demands. I didn’t want to potentially jeopardise anything this time around.”
With everything in place for a Haye bout, Klitschko nevertheless settled for Chisora. Still adamant the unification clash will happen, Klitschko informed Haye that he plans to deal with both Brits in 2011.
“It should never have come to this,” said Haye, 25-1 (23 KO). “I was available to fight in May and June, yet Klitschko only gave me dates of April 30 and July 2. The April date would be too close to Amir Khan’s next fight, and prove problematic with Sky Box Office.”
This latest twist in the Haye-Klitschko saga has angered the Brit more than any other and, as he now seeks out a title challenger of his own, the WBA champion is resigned to missing out on the fight he says he desperately wants.