Wladimir Klitschko takes off gloves talking about Haye
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We’re used to the dignified, articulate Wladimir Klitschko, not the version of the world heavyweight champion who emerged Tuesday, talking about WBA heavyweight champ David Haye over lunch at a Los Angeles cafe.
‘He’s been nasty,’ Klitschko said of Haye, who has twice previously retreated from fighting both Wladimir and his brother Vitali, who also owns a heavyweight belt. ‘He’s saying we should go fight in our mother’s backyard, and that he’ll fight the winner.’
Klitschko proceeded to label Haye some words unfit for print, adding, ‘I have nothing good to say about the guy. I’ve told Vitali, ‘Bro, this is my fight.’ I don’t like anything about this guy.’
‘To get respect, [Haye] owes it to the sport to get this fight made now,’ Wladimir said.
Klitschko, coming off another one-sided victory over a heavyweight, this time Eddie Chambers, who thought he could solve the 6-foot-6 Ukrainian, said he’s cleared September for a bout, and that negotiations with Haye’s people began Tuesday.
Haye, coming off an impressive dismantling of former champ John Ruiz, is a brash, charismatic Brit who would help liven up a division that has gone dormant during the string of Klitschko dominance.
Klitschko said he’s willing to fight Haye anywhere -- Wembley Stadium or somewhere in Haye’s mother country would be compelling -- and expressed willingness to embrace what he called his own ‘signature fight.’
‘I care about the sport, the fan base, the heavyweight division,’ Klitschko said. ‘To be heavyweight champion used to be the most impoortant title in the world. I don’t care where we fight. I just want David Haye in front of my face. No obligations can stop him from making this fight.’
Money always interferes, but Klitschko assures ‘there’s plenty for both of us ... there’s a time to talk, and a time to deliver. He’s called me out. I’m holding him responsible for his actions.’
Klitschko, chatting over a lunch of a chicken salad and cranberry juice, said he opted to become more vocal because’people start to believe the things this person is saying. I decided I need to get over my conservative style of handling things and bring out my real opinions. I had enough. We don’t need promoters. I’m managing myself. I want this fight.’
-- Lance Pugmire
