Haye hopeful of Klitschko rematch

David Haye has reiterated he would be happy to challenge Wladimir Klitschko to a rematch after his one-sided defeat in Hamburg on Saturday night.

The Ukrainian enjoyed a resounding points victory at the Imtech Arena to add Haye’s WBA heavyweight title to his own IBF and WBO belts.

Much of the talk following the bout has been about Haye’s future and whether he will now retire in October as previously stated or prolong his career by taking on Klitschko again.

And the 30-year-old has said he would relish the chance to try and take back the title he lost at the weekend.

“Wladimir made a statement saying first he would give me a rematch and then his manager said he wouldn’t give me a rematch,” Haye told Five Live.

“If there’s a potential rematch in there, well the guy’s beaten me and obviously I’d love the opportunity to challenge for his title.

“I came to the table with a title, I don’t have a title now, I’m title-less. And every boxer wants the opportunity to fight for a title.

“In boxing anything’s possible. He promised everyone he’d knock me out. He said he’d teach me a lesson and knock me out, but he didn’t do that.

“He gave it his best shots and couldn’t put me out. Maybe he’ll want the opportunity to knock me out and finish my career.”

Having blamed the defeat on a broken toe immediately after the fight, Haye offered no excuses today other than to admit he “wasn’t good enough”.

“I got beat by a guy who’s very consistent, very strong, very good at what he does and I’m gutted,” he said.

“I did my best but unfortunately my best wasn’t good enough.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow especially after all the big talk. To go out there and not be able to produce the goods, and I’ve said I’ll produce the goods for so many years now, not being able to do it in such a big fight is really frustrating.

“I feel I let a lot of people down.”

Haye also said he will not hide from any criticism that is sent his way, with Frank Warren among those who have already hit out at the Lambeth-born fighter, calling him a ’cry baby’.

“When someone talks as much trash talk as I do you expect someone to stick the boot in,” Haye added. “Feel free to have a pop at me.

“I did the big talk but on Saturday night but I didn’t walk the walk and you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.

“You can’t just take the accolades when it’s going well. When it isn’t going well you’ve got to take your lumps.”