Injured Haye unable to take on Klitschko
Haye has been forced to pull out of the fight with Wladimir Klitschko
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Wednesday, 03, Jun 2009 10:09
Britain's David Haye will not face Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles after he sustained an injury to his hand while training.
Haye was due to take on the Ukrainian champion in Germany in June 20th but has been forced to pull out of the contest.
It is not known whether the bout will now be able to take place at a later date or whether the injury will cause the tentative arrangements between the pair to collapse altogether.
Haye has been pursuing both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko ever since moving up to the heavyweight ranks but his aggressive approach has not won favour with the Ukrainian brothers.
Wladimir said he was disappointed that the fight with Haye had been cancelled but was keen to fight an alternative opponent on the same date so as not to let down his fans.
"I am very disappointed that the fight got cancelled. I've been in training camp for weeks. I am in top condition and I was really looking forward to fight night," said Klitschko.
"I don't want to disappoint the fans in Schalke and I am willing to fight a different opponent as well."
Klitschko's manager Bernd Bonte said he would work quickly to try and find a new opponent for Wladimir.
"We will do everything to realize this fight night. After having recovered from the first shock, we will work on finding a top opponent," said Bonte.
One possible opponent for Klitschko is Russian WBA champion Nicolay Valuev who was due to fight Ruslan Chagaev this weekend before Chagaev failed a medical.