By James Slater: David Haye hasn’t gone away quite yet. Nor has “The Hayemaker” stopped training. Though the former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champ announced his retirement barely six months ago, Haye has told BBC Sport that he is in the gym every day, keeping himself in shape “in case a big fight comes.”
Haye explained how his people are “talking loosely with Vitali’s people,” and that if the fight is offered to him (or one with Wladimir, a rematch in this case) he will be ready and in shape to take it. Not only that, but Haye insists he will become heavyweight champion again if he is given the opportunity.
Vitali himself, over in London to promote his upcoming fight with Dereck Chisora, said that he and Haye are “miles away” from a deal; due to Haye “still acting like a champion with his demands.” However, Vitali is very keen (maybe even obsessed) with the idea of knocking Haye out. Haye is well aware of the reigning WBC heavyweight champion’s desire to flatten him.
“It’s down to Vitali,” Haye said. “He seems very keen to do what his brother couldn’t do and put me on the canvas and knock me out. It depends on how much he wants to put me on the canvas.”
Haye has not gone into any detail regarding what kind of a deal he would need to agree to face Vitali, but from what “Dr. Iron Fist” said, we can assume Haye is demanding certain things in said deal. In no position to call the shots, Haye seems to be content allowing his future to be settled by fate – as he said, “if it’s meant to be, it will be, if it’s not, it wasn’t.”
Haye did add, though, that he will be in shape and ready to “go to war” if either fight is offered to him. “If that call does come, I will be heavyweight champion again,” Haye declared.
How much mileage is there left in the David Haye story? Do fans even care anymore? Is Haye’s career destined to have one last big fight?
I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Meanwhile, in other British heavyweight news, Audley Harrison has confirmed he will return to the ring against Ali Adams on April 14th. “A-Force,” as we know, has had more bad press/criticism than Haye (far more) and his comeback opponent has hurled more abuse at the 2000 Olympic gold medallist.
“Audley is a joke,” Adams said. “His fight with David Haye was an embarrassment and he still wants to make a comeback. I’ll give him such a beating that Audley will see he does not belong in a boxing ring again.”
Now, how foolish will Adams, 13-3-1(5) feel if 40-year-old Harrison turns up in fighting mood and KO’s him?!