2 years later, we finally (maybe) have Klitschko-Haye

It’s been two years.

That is how it’s taken for this heavyweight title fight to actually come to fruition. Two years of Wladimir Klitschko saying, “I’m ready to fight” and two years of David “The Ducker” Haye saying, “I am ready to fight too!, except my back hurts and if we do fight it has to be in the UK and if we do fight I deserve a 60/40 split…”

Well now it seems that the fight is actually going to happen. Like for real this time. As opposed to 2009 when he was supposed to fight Wladimir, but backed out because of a back ‘injury’ that he never actually provided any medical documentation for, then later in 2009 when he was suppose to fight Vitali, but just before the fight was to be signed Haye backed out and signed to fight Russian behemoth Nikolay Valuev (whom he had been secretly negotiating with).

All the while Haye has been talking smack. Now it’s time for his hands to cash the checks his mouth hopes he can sign.

Also, per ESPN’s Dan Rafael;

One interesting twist: Boente [Wladimir Klitschko’s manager] said the contract with Haye says he could fight Wladimir or Vitali.

The priority is Wladimir facing Haye, Boente said. However, if Wladimir is still injured, Vitali could step in, contingent on Vitali winning his March 19 defense against Odlanier Solis.

“Knock on wood, nothing happens. Vitali has to win his fight in two weeks against Solis, which is a very tough fight,” Boente said. “If he comes out of that fight, he is also a possibility. In the contract it says Vitali or Wladimir.”

That being said, I’m sure my pick will reside with whichever Klitschko brother he faces.

There is still no venue chosen (probably Germany where the Klitschko brothers are basically God), no exact date set (either June 25 or July 2), and no American television network signed to show the bout. HBO and Showtime are obviously two options for the fight to land on, but according to Boente, “It could also be on pay-per-view in the U.S. if we can’t find an agreement.”

I have heard all this before from these Haye-Klitschko negotiations, hell, we’ve been this close to a Klitschko-Haye fight on a couple other occasions even. I am excited for the fight, just as I was in 2009 (twice).

As for now, though, I am holding back hope. When I will truly be happy for this fight is when I hear one of their respective entrance songs as they walk down to the ring.