Returning Haye sets sights on Klitschkos
One-time WBA heavyweight champion David Haye announced his comeback from retirement on Thursday and declared that he is still gunning for the scalps of the Klitschko brothers.
The 32-year-old Londoner, who announced his return at a press conference in his home city, is scheduled to fight an as yet unnamed opponent in Manchester on June 29.
Haye also expects to fight again later this year, in order to become the mandatory contender for a bout with either Vitali or Wladimir Klitschko next year.
“Instead of sitting around and waiting another year, I want to get back in there,” Haye said.
“I’m happy to be back. A year is long enough time to wait for someone to phone you.”
Haye’s last fight saw him defeat fellow British heavyweight Dereck Chisora at London’s Upton Park stadium last July.
Wladimir Klitschko beat Haye in Hamburg in 2011 to add the WBA title to his IBF and WBO crowns, while elder brother Vitali is the reigning WBC champion.
“I want that heavyweight title back,” Haye said.
“I was hoping Vitali would be a man of his word and fight me after I did what he and his team wanted me to do and beat Dereck Chisora.
“We have been sitting around, waiting for the phone to ring but that hasn’t happened. We have sent some emails but they have fallen on deaf ears.”
Haye’s trainer, Adam Booth, said talks were ongoing to find the right opponent for his fighter’s comeback fight in June.
“David will fight an opponent who I am yet to secure, but who will be highly ranked,” said Booth.
“He wants to fight twice this year against highly ranked contenders to put himself in an unavoidable position to be the mandatory contender to one of the brothers. He is not waiting anymore. He is fighting his way into position.”
Vitali’s next fight is against unbeaten Manuel Charr in September, while Francesco Pianeta is next up for Wladimir.
