By James Slater: While the arguing over who is ducking who continues between the camps of Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye – with Klitschko claiming this week that the July 2nd unification clash is still very much on if only Haye accepts it – the WBA champion is preparing for his next fight. According to a news piece in The South London Press, Haye is looking at facing one of three contenders in London on May 21st.
Team-Haye have said Klitschko’s talk is nothing to take seriously, while Team-Klitschko have repeatedly said they do not trust “The Hayemaker.” So, as of now, unless there is a big change down the road, the two would-be rivals will continue to go their separate ways: Klitschko against Dereck Chisora on April 30th, Haye against one of three fighters on May 21st.
And The South London Press quotes an undisclosed source who is close to Haye as saying the 30-year-old will defend against either Ruslan Chagev, Denis Boytsov or Alexander Povetkin. Chagaev, known as “The White Tyson,” is Haye’s mandatory challenger, and as such this fight would make the most sense. However, as fans know, Ruslan has that Hepatitis rap hanging over him. Maybe Haye will take a shot and, being protected from any risk, go ahead with the fight (as Wlad Klitschko did when he fought and defeated Chagaev), or maybe Haye will move down the line and go after either Povetkin or Boystov.
Perhaps the fans would even prefer to see one of these two possible match-ups take place; after all, Chagaev does appear to be way past his best at this stage. Povetkin and Boystov are both unbeaten, young and talented fighters. Would either guy have a shot at taking Haye’s belt?
Boytsov, who suffered a hand injury and has yet to fight a scheduled 12-rounder since doing so, may not feel ready for a title shot this year – but if one is offered to him he may change his mind. As for Olympic gold medallist Povetkin, he has felt unready to challenge Klitschko, even walking away from a guaranteed shot at “Dr. Steel Hammer” last year. Will he feel ready and able to go in with the fast, hard-hitting Londoner?
Neither of these three possible match-ups involving Haye will generate anywhere near as much interest and excitement as a Klitschko Vs. Haye clash; but either contender would mark a step up from Haye’s last challenger, Audley Harrison.
Of the three options, I’d be more interested in seeing Haye fight the Teddy Atlas-trained Povetkin. Sure, the Russian appears to have lost something as of late, with a couple of sub-par performances; but he would surely raise his game in a fight with Haye. And the knowledgeable and experienced Atlas would study (maybe already has studied) Haye inside and out.
Haye-Povetkin: heading to London this coming May?