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Klitschko-Haye back on

Fighters Network
04
Mar

The intriguing heavyweight matchup between IBF/WBO titleholder Wladimir Klitschko and former crusierweight champ David Haye is back on after it appeared that a disagreement over the site had stalled negotiations to a standstill.

Klitschko, THE RING's No. 1 heavyweight contender, wanted to fight in Europe while Haye, a dynamic-punching cruiserweight who recenlty entered the heavyweight division, was pushing for a U.S. location — preferably Madison Square Garden in New York City.

However, according to Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Haye in the U.S., the two sides have agreed to stage the heavyweight title fight in Europe on June 20.

“Contracts have been exchanged and it looks like the fight is back on,” Schaefer, who met with Haye's management while in the UK to promote the May 2 Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao fight, told RINGTV.com. “A deal structure has been reached and now it is a matter of working out the legal details.”



One of those details will be exactly where the fight – which will be televised on HBO – takes place in Europe. Haye (22-1, 21 knockouts) is a charismatic London native who draws very well in his home city and other parts of England. However, Klitschko (52-3, 46 KOs), a native of Ukraine whose pro career was developed in Germany, is a huge draw in Germany.

“Germany may be the frontrunner for the location,” Schaefer said, “but it hasn't been decided yet.”