Heavyweight Division in a Sad State when Champion Can’t Get a Decent Fight
WBO, IBF and IBO World Heavyweight Champion Vladimir Klitschko has called prospective opponent David Haye a “little dog” for backing out of a title fight with him.
"I am ready to fight against David Haye anywhere in this world," Klitschko said Sunday. "He (Haye) just needs to make the next step. Sign the contract, get in the ring and get the fight."
He was just as quick to insult his manhood, saying he has “no respect for this man” because he is “nothing but a little dog who just runs away when the big dog turns around.”
David Haye currently holds the WBA Heavyweight title. A match between him and Klitschko has been forthcoming for months.
"It's not about the money and the business, it's about pride (for him),” Klitschko added. “But I think he owes it to the fans."
Klitschko’s older brother Vitali holds the WBC Heavyweight title. The two have said publicly that they will not fight each other, putting pressure on a Klitschko-Haye bout.
In June, Haye cancelled a scheduled bout with Klitschko, citing an arm injury. The cancellation occurred just two weeks before the scheduled date. Many speculated afterwards that Haye, (22-1, 21 KO’s) was not really prepared to take on Klitschko.
Klitschko was uncharacteristically angered at Haye when he showed up at the fight’s pre-conference, sporting a shirt depicting him holding the dismembered heads of Vladimir and his brother Vitali.
Klitschko told Sky Sports news recently: "The question is does he want to do it? He speaks a lot, says he wants it but then says the deal is not right, his shoes are too small or his back is injured or whatever. Unfortunately there is no action. It is unfortunate for a lot of boxing fans who are disappointed. I am seriously disappointed by David Haye. There is boxing fans and sports fans and I think he owes this fight to the boxing fans.”
Klitschko’s analysis of Haye refusing to fight him comes at a time when he is having trouble finding anybody at all to keep him active. Mandatory challenger and undefeated up-and-comer, Alexander Povetkin, backed out of a recent fight with the champion due to a sinus problem.
Povetkin is one of the most touted new heavyweights in years, capturing the super heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. His trainer, Teddy Atlas, had repeatedly said that his fighter isn’t yet prepared for Klitschko, despite taking out notables, such as Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers, in his ascent to the top of division.
Emmanuel Steward, Klitschko’s trainer, said that Povetkin would “never get in the ring with Vladimir Klitschko.”
Haye has yet to respond to Klitschko’s comments, but Klitschko is right—actions do speak louder than words. And at this point it is becoming increasingly hard to take Haye’s presumed alacrity to fight seriously, even when he argues it.
On the weekend, Haye said that he has been taking “a long holiday, resting a lot and sharing with the family.” He added that while he doesn’t know who he’ll fight next, he hasn’t ruled out the Klitschko brothers and that there are also “other interesting names to take into account.”
"I doubt Povetkin will ever fight Vladimir and I seriously doubt David Haye will ever fight Vladimir - and I've been very consistent in those comments,” Steward said recently. “All [Haye] can do is talk about fighting a Klitschko and that's his biggest claim to fame. Now he don't talk at all because if he talks - he's going to be building up....starting a confrontation and that usually ends with somebody fighting somebody. He's still hiding under the bed, waiting for when it's safe so he can come out."
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