Haye may prolong career for elder Klitschko

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Published time: July 22, 2012 08:59
Edited time: July 22, 2012 14:27

British heavyweight David Haye says a bout with WBC champ Vitaly Klitschko is the only thing which could inspire him to prolong his boxing career.

­“He’s the only fighter, who can make my return a prolonged one,” Haye told the Daily Star newspaper. “Whether my performance against Chisora inspires him to accept a fight with me or run in the other direction instead, I have no idea.”

“If a fight with Vitaly happens, that would be fantastic. If it doesn’t, so be it. I’ve achieved more than I anticipated. I’m happy,” he added.  

The 31-year-old retired from sports after giving away his WBA belt to another of the Klitschko brothers – Wladimir – in July 2011.

But a year later he was back in the ring to settle the score with compatriot Dereck Chisora after the two brawled at a press-conference in Germany.

Haye proved he’s still in great shape during that bout, knocking out his opponent in the fifth round.

Meanwhile, Vitaly Klitschko told RT that he has no plans of taking on the scandalous Brit as their earlier talks had failed.  

The 40-year-old is now getting ready to face off against Manuel Charr of Germany, with the clash in Moscow on September 8 expected to be the last in the Ukrainian’s career.

“The Charr fight is a low risk, low reward contest,” Haye stressed. “Most people reckon Vitaly is the toughest heavyweight in the world. He’s the guy I want next.”

Vitaly Klitschko’s record in the ring is 44 wins (40 by KO) in 46, while Haye boasts 26 wins (24 by KO) and two defeats.