Richard Schaefer to the rescue?

David Haye’s trainer/manager, Adam Booth, has been unable to reach a deal for Haye to fight Wladimir Klitschko on June 20 in what would be perhaps the biggest heavyweight bout possible.

So he handed the reins to the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Haye’s U.S. representative.

Schaefer will negotiate with Klitschko’s U.S. adviser, Shelly Finkel, meaning two Americans could end up making a fight between two Europeans – Haye is English, Klitschko Ukrainian – that would take place in Europe.

“The negotiations pretty much broke down,” Schaefer said. “Adam called me and asked me to step in so I’m taking over negotiations for that fight. I have an appointment to talk to Shelly (this past Tuesday night).

“I had a long conversation with Adam. He filled me in on what the issues are. We’ll see what I can do. This is the fight people want to see in the heavyweight division.”

Schaefer said there have been many obstacles in the negotiations, including the site (England? Germany?), the date and of course the division of the purse.

“The fact is that Shelly is one of the most-skilled guys at getting deals done, particularly for heavyweight fights,” Schaefer said. “I have a pretty good track record, too. We can get it done.”

If not, unbeaten Chris Arreola remains an option for Klitschko. However, his promoter, Dan Goossen, isn’t holding his breath.

“I haven’t heard anything back from them,” Goossen said of Klitschko’s handlers. “And, honestly, I don’t want to be used as a negotiating ploy for Haye and Klitschko to be made. We have been more than willing to fight Klitschko in our next fight. They’re the ones who chose Haye. If we get a call, we’ll deal with it. We’ll make the best deal for Chris.

“I do have to say I’ve read what Haye said about the money he brings to the table (compared to Arreola). He’s dead wrong. Chris brings tremendous financial benefits both at the site and on HBO.”

Michael Rosenthal can be reached at [email protected]