Jose Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council has announced that the WBC will not consent to a world heavyweight title fight between Britain’s former WBA champ David Haye and reigning WBC kingpin Vitali Klitschko.
Sulaiman stated that the reason being that Haye, who officially retired last October and no longer holds a boxing license, is not ranked in the WBC’s top 15 contenders.
Vitali Klitschko has stated that he would like to defend his title later on this year against Haye in what could be his last ever fight. The 40-year-old Ukrainian intends to stand for election in the autumn for the position of Mayor of Kiev. It will be Klitschko’s third attempt to become mayor – he finished second in 2006 and third two years later. Many believe that if he were to become successful this time, it would spell the end of his boxing career.
According to Klitschko, a remaining sticking point in negotiations between himself and Haye are the former champ’s financial demands:
”It would really be an interesting fight.” said Vitali. ”But Haye has to tame his appetite, because the conditions dictated by him and not acceptable given the fact that he is no longer a world champion. All the time I have to repeat this to him. If we can’t reach agreement and sign the contract, we shall immediately arrange a press conference.”
A further sticking point to the possibility of Klitschko v Haye in 2012 could be the outcome of the British Boxing Board of Control’s inquiry into the shameful brawl with fellow Briton Derek Chisora that took place at the post-fight press conference following Chisora was gallant but losing effort against Klitschko last month. Speculation remains that both fighters could face a hefty fine and a lengthy ban by the B.B.B.C, which would effectively end any hopes of facing the older of the two Klitschko brothers.
Haye has already unsuccessfully challenged WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko, losing a one-sided points decision in July 2011.
