Boxing: Klitschko makes Haye bide his time

Ken Mannion
Wednesday 30 June 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

David Haye will have to wait until next year at the earliest to fight Vladimir Klitschko after the Ukrainian announced yesterday that he will defend his IBF world heavyweight title against Russian challenger Alexander Povetkin in September.

Klitschko holds the IBF, WBO and IBO belts and had previously claimed he was keen to take on Haye, the WBA champion, in a highly-anticipated title unification bout. "I am very happy that we have won the bid and will promote the fight," said the Ukrainian.

Povetkin, 30, is the undefeated IBF No 1 challenge. Since turning professional after winning Olympic gold in Athens in 2004, his win-loss record stands at 19-0 with 14 knockouts, while Klitschko has 54 wins and three defeats with 28 knockouts. Klitschko's team outbid Povetkin's promoters for the right to host the fight, with the winning bid worth over £5m.

The venue and the date will be announced by the Klitschko Management Group in the next three weeks, he added. The 55,000-seat Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt is being considered to stage the fight.

The deal means Haye may have to look to Klitschko's brother and WBC champion Vitali for a unification fight this year, although there have been reports that there is an agreement for Haye to fight fellow Briton and current European champion Audley Harrison before the end of the year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in