David Haye today rubbished claims from Vitali Klitschko’s manager that he is “afraid” of facing the Ukrainian heavyweight.
The former world champion has signed up to face Dereck Chisora on July 14 at Upton Park — a grudge match that has been widely derided as it is taking place under a licence from Luxembourg as neither fighter holds a British licence.
Bernd Boente, who manages Vitali, said that he had offered a contract to Haye prior to the announcement of the bout between the two Londoners, but claims the Bermondsey fighter turned it down as he was scared of the 40-year-old Ukrainian.
Haye, however, is targeting a September bout with the WBC heavyweight champion and said: “It makes absolutely no sense for me to turn down a fight I desperately want.
“The whole idea behind going ahead with this Chisora fight was that a victory may then lead to a fight with Vitali Klitschko.”
Haye also claimed Boente’s statements are a way for Vitali to save face. “At this advanced stage in his career, the last thing on Vitali’s mind are tough challenges in the ring,” he added. “He’s essentially semi-retired, which is fine, so long as he comes clean about it. Don’t go stringing everybody along when some of us know the truth.”
