Haye still wants Vitali fight..(Boxing)

David Haye has rejected claims from Vitali Klitschko's manager that he is "afraid" of facing the Ukrainian heavyweight.


The former two-weight world champion has signed up to face Dereck Chisora on July 14 at Upton Park.

Bernd Boente, who manages both Vitali and his brother Wladimir, has
revealed that he had offered a contract to Haye prior to the
announcement of the bout between the two Londoners, but claims the
Bermondsey fighter turned it down as he was scared of the 40-year-old
Ukrainian.

But Haye insisted: "It makes absolutely no sense for me to turn down a fight I desperately want.

"Remember, the whole idea behind going ahead with this Chisora fight
was that a victory may then lead to a fight with Vitali Klitschko.
"That was my plan, my reason for returning
to the ring. I want to fight on July 14 and then again in September,
and have been telling people this for months now."

After moving up from cruiserweight, Haye suffered a decisive points defeat to WBA, WBO and IBF champion Wladimir last summer.

Haye is convinced he has the beating of the elder Klitschko, though,
and claims Boente's statements are a way for Vitali to save face.

"At this advanced stage in his career, the last thing on Vitali's mind are tough challenges in the ring," Haye added.

"He's essentially semi-retired, which is fine, so long as he comes
clean about it. Don't go stringing everybody along - fighters and fans -
when some of us know the truth.