Vitali Klitschko Now Looking Towards A Fight In October Or November, New Opponent Needed

Vitali KlitschkoBy James Slater: With David Haye having walked away from a reported verbal agreement to fight him, WBC heavyweight ruler Vitali Klitschko is in search of a new and high profile challenger to face next. The September 12th date now out, Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente has told ESPN.com that his fighter will probably now fight in either October or November, and that they are currently attempting to find the right man for “Dr. Iron Fist” to fight.

It’s not 100-percent clear why the original date cannot be used but against a replacement for Haye, but the probable reason the date has been lost is because seven weeks is not quite enough time for a suitable contender to be found. Certainly, Chris Arreola, one of the main men in Klitschko’s sights, has made it clear he wants a full and proper training camp to be at his very best for the potential fight.

And, according to Boente, “The Nightmare” is the fighter Vitali may well fight next, and in America. In many ways a better and more intriguing fight than Vitali-Haye, Arreola challenging the 38-year-old would be a bout the fans would be happy with. Unbeaten and aggressive, Arreola has done more at heavyweight than Haye has and his credentials have been way more proven.

Sure, the Mexican/American would enter the fight as the underdog, but as rugged and as tough as he is Arreola would have to be given more than a puncher’s chance. And with Kevin Johnson, Odlanier Solis and Haye now all busy, and with Eddie Chambers and Alexander Povetkin in the frame for a shot at Wladimir Klitschko, Arreola is clearly the best next challenger for Vitali.

If the fight does take place in October or November, Klitschko will have been out of action for seven or eight months, while Arreola will not have fought since April of this year. A fair amount of time out this is, but in today’s heavyweight division it’s not too much of a concern. Let’s hope the potential slugfest gets made.

As for IBF and WBO champ Wladimir, again according to ESPN, talks are underway to get the younger brother’s next fight sorted out. Wladimir has two mandatory challengers to accommodate, Povetkin and Chambers, and reports suggest Wladimir is more interested in facing Chambers; “because it’s the better fight for HBO and the better fight for America.” Going by how impressive Chambers looked against Alexander Dimitrenko last time out, it’s tough to argue with such thinking. Of course, Povetkin, who has been biding his time, will have to be given his shot soon also.

With Haye set to fight Nikolai Valuev, and with both Klitschkos lining up exciting fights, the heavyweight division is looking as good as it has in some time.