Klitschko vs Haye - another twist?

WBA heavyweight champion David Haye could still face either of the Klitschkos this summer, the brothers' manager Bernd Boente has revealed.
After protracted negotiations, Haye and IBF and WBO champion Wladimir have agreed to a fight on 25 June or 2 July.

But if an abdominal injury were to rule Wladimir out his brother, WBC champion Vitali, could face Haye in his stead.
Boente added that the fight would not necessarily occur in Germany, though he ruled out Britain as a venue.
Boente, who added that the United States would not host the fight, stressed that the contract signed did not specify which of the Ukrainian siblings Haye would meet.

It has been widely assumed that Haye will face Wladimir in a German football stadium on either 25 June or 2 July, but Boente said: "In the talks, David was not rejecting Vitali any more, he was very flexible.

"Knock on wood it's not the case, but should anything happen injury-wise [to Wladimir], as long as it is not three days before the fight or whatever, then Vitali could be the opponent."

However for that option to be feasible Vitali would first have to win his fight against Odlanier Solis on March 19.
Whichever brother Haye faces, the fight is likely to be in Germany although Boente added that there were "two or three" options in other countries.
"It is not 100% going to be in Germany," he said.

source - bbc - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/9417478.stm


So could the plan be that Vitali is training for David and then Wlad will pull out at the last minute to leave Haye unprepared but forced to fight the other brother?

If this is true (the article), the K brothers have some seriously weird contracts!

I'd imagine the cutoff would be a fair few weeks out, Vitali would still need a fair bit of time to get ready for it etc. Don't think he'd jump in at 2 weeks notice as he's not exactly a young pup anymore

They keep saying Wlad's got an abdominal injury, is that caused by constantly clenching to stop him papping himself?

what I was suggesting is that Vitali is training already knowing that his brother is getting an "injury" nearer the time.

Its Haye who is the one who wouldnt have time to change tact.

As I said, its far fetched but we are talking about the pantomime K v Haye match!

I'd imagine that Haye will have a clause that if Wlad does pull out from injury then there'll be an independant specialist organised by Team Haye to inspect Wlad...

That's how i'd cover myself from having to fight the tougher of the two brothers on short notice

I don't think I can stand any more 'twists' to this pathetically stupid debacle. The worst part is, I get the impression that Haye, Klitschko, Boente and so on actually think that the public like these little 'maybe, maybe not' announcements, and that they're coming across as dramatic, funny and intriguing. They're not.

We just want the fight to be on. None of this 'Oh, I've got the contract, I'm going to sign it, both parties have agreed terms, we're nearly there, but oh, wait a minute, it might not be as you think, but it probably will be, but then again maybe not, could be Wladimir, oh hang on it could be Vitali, if, but, maybe blah blah blah...'

It's getting right on my bristol cities now.

It's getting right on my bristol cities now.
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Agreed

I think these negotiations have proved it is, in fact, the Klitschko's that are the main reason this fight hasn't been made so far.

What exactly gives them the authority to bargain for fights as a collective?! Sign the contract but I might choose to switch your opponent at the last minute..

For me this all reads 'Haye will be fighting Vitali because Wlad knows he'll get knocked on his ar5e'

I'd be very surprised if they don't enforce this clause to try and make Haye face the perceived stronger brother. Perhaps Haye can get a clause that allows him to tag in Derek Chisora when he fancies a breather.

Also cant understand why the UK isn't an option for the fight. The Klitschko's have been controlling the heavyweight scene with their contracts and stipulations, stacking the odds in their favour for too long now. The brothers seem to have the impression that they're interchangeable despite the fact they are individuals ranked indivdually in a one on one sport. I for one sincerely hope Haye smashes them both out of boxing for good.

It seems that Haye has called their bluff and given into pretty much all of their demands. Good on him!

If he beats Klitschko in Germany, it will rank as one of the best wins of all time by a British fighter.

i think the game plan of hayes wouldn't alter much for which ever brother he fought, their both tall heavy hitting fighters, who use the jab to death. so i can't see it making that much differents even if he was to fight vitali last minute

I think he would try and take Wlad out early by go all out in the first 2 rounds. I think he would be more cautious against Vitali.

How hard can you punch?