Manager says negotiations will favour the champion

Unlike when David Haye fought Wladimir Klitschko in Hamburg last July, the former champion will not have any bargaining tools for a potential match-up with WBC champion Vitali Klitschko according to the two fighters’ manager Bernd Boente.

Speaking to Sky Sports News after hearing of the Londoner’s plans to allow his boxing license to expire, Boende claimed that would not stand in the way of a grudge match between the two and it was more about the monetary aspects on the negotiations as to whether the bout can happen early next year.

"I think it really depends on the business case,” said Boende.

“Adam and I just spoke with each other five minutes ago and we are in constant contact. We are waiting for some numbers from British TV and then we will see if the business case is realistic. We can do the fight, or Vitali will fight another opponent in February or March next year.

"If the business case is realistic, then the fight is 100% likely. A realistic time frame is mid-February to mid-March. We want a soccer stadium with a roof. We have three different ones in Germany, so let's see what is possible."

"Adam knows that this time there is a completely different split. They also know that the only difference with a guy like Jean-Marc Mormeck, who fights Wladimir next, is the UK money from TV stations.

"We have to move quickly because if the fight is in February-March, then we have to do the first press conference before Christmas. This way or that way, Vitali will definitely fight February or March, whether against David Haye or someone else."

Haye had always promised to step away from boxing when he was 30 and this week’s developments are no surprise to Boende, who will continue to keep dialogue with Haye’s trainer and manager Adam Booth in the hope that an agreement can be reached.