Haye: Wladimir will be fit
Londoner Haye has finally agreed a deal to put his WBA title on the line against IBF/WBO holder Klitschko on June 25 or July 2.
It emerged yesterday the Ukrainian’s elder brother Vitali, who puts his WBC title on the line against Odlanier Solis on March 19, will step in should Wladimir’s abdominal injury fail to heal in time.
The injury has twice forced Wladimir to pull out of a proposed fight with Dereck Chisora, but Haye would be surprised if the 34-year-old did the same with him.
“I don’t expect that,” he said. “With me he’s going to take his training very seriously, he’s going to make sure that there’s going to be no injuries that can affect this fight.
“And if there is any problem then his brother’s going to jump in.
“But I’ve got a feeling whatever injury Wladimir has or is carrying will be fine by the time he gets in the ring with me.”
The fight was expected to be held in Germany, where the Klitschkos have a huge following, but the their manager Bernd Boente revealed yesterday “two or three” other venues are being considered.
A British venue was never an option, though.
“He’s the kind of guy who likes it his own way,” said Haye. “He’s used to calling the shots.
“I don’t believe he would have fought me in the UK, even if we’d found a venue that he’d generate more money in.
“I had to concede that the only way he’s going to fight me is in Germany.
“He said it was a deal-breaker if he had to come into the ring second. Okay, whatever.
“I conceded a lot of things because I know as soon as I get him in a ring with me, I’m going to knock him out.”
Earlier, Boentesaid: “It is not 100% that it’s going to be in Germany.
“The stadiums in Dortmund, Gelsenkirchen and Kaiserslautern are available and very interested in staging it.
“But there are two or three other options that we are exploring in other countries.
“Honestly, that is only to maximise revenues.
“In the end it is not about home advantage or whatever. That is a key understanding between Adam (Booth, Haye’s manager) and myself. Adam is with me in the driving seat, we will discuss these things together.
“I can’t tell you where they are but they are all in Europe – but not England.
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