Latest Boxing News: Haye, Klitschko, Bradley and DeGale

By Boxing News - 11/20/2008 - Comments

Image: Boxing News 24 Boxing News: Haye, Klitschko, Bradley and DeGaleDavid Haye’s manager Adam Booth has accused the Klitschkos of backtracking following the British boxers outstanding performance against Monte Barrett.

Haye was due to fight IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in London next summer. It now looks increasingly likely that Haye will instead face WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.

Speaking to Setanta Sports News Booth said:

“At first they were talking about Wladimir, now they pull Wladimir out and offer me Vitali.”

Booth added that it was a case of either fighting the brother “with better punches and a weaker chin [Wladimir] or the one with the better chin but who has slowed considerably over the last few years [Vitali]”.

Meanwhile David Haye said he ‘doesn’t care’ which Klitschko he fights.

“I watched that fight [Vitali against Samuel Peter] and I thought to myself ‘is this it?’ Is this the mountain I’ve got to climb? I can do it, I know I can.

“There are so many things he did that I can exploit with my speed and power. Even the punches he throws I can see coming!

“I think I’m the best and I’m willing to fight the best to prove it. Just like at cruiserweight. A lot of people said you haven’t got a chance of beating [Jean-Marc] Mormeck; you haven’t got a chance of beating [Enzo] Maccarinelli. Those are the guys I went after.”

“Now everyone’s saying you haven’t got a chance against Vitali, so I’m going after the guy who’s solid as a rock.”

DeGale set to decide future in 10 days

Olympic gold medallist James DeGale admits deciding whether or not to turn professional is ‘driving me mad’. The middleweight boxer expects to make an announcement regarding his future very soon.

DeGale told Setanta Sports News he was ‘nearly there’.

“I’m still making this decision. I’m not going to confirm it yet. It’s just a case of signing things. It’s the biggest decision I’ll ever have to make.

“I’m not saying ‘I’m going to go pro’ but I’ll tell you the truth, 80% of me says ‘go professional’.

“In the next week or 10 days it should be announced what I’m doing.”

DeGale added that the success of his fellow British boxers spurred him on.

“I see Calzaghe and Hatton and David Haye win world titles and think ‘that’s me all over’ – the big stadiums, the crowds, the lights.

“My first aim was to become an Olympian and the second aim is to become a professional world champion

“I’ve achieved the first half of that, so what is there for me to do now?”

UNDEFEATED WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP TIMOTHY BRADLEY RECEIVES OVERSEAS FIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD

London, United Kingdom, November 19 – It’s been a whirlwind 2008 for Timothy Bradley, but the WBC junior welterweight champion isn’t done yet.

After accomplishing what only a handful of other fighters have been able to do by winning the world championship on English soil in May with a victory over Junior Witter, Bradley defended his crown with an exciting victory over Edner Cherry in September, and then traveled to the 46th Annual WBC convention in Chengdu, China, earlier this month.

While in Asia, Bradley made a personal request for a voluntary defense of his crown in late February or March against the winner of the WBO title bout between Kendall Holt and Ricardo Torres, and more importantly, the classy champion visited a school located near the area of last year’s devastating Chengdu earthquake. Bradley was a big hit with the children, who ranged from ages six to 12, and though he was mobbed for autographs and pictures, he made time for everyone on hand.

Next on the ‘Desert Storm’s world tour was a visit to London, England on November 18th, where he received the prestigious “Overseas Fighter of the Year” award from the British Board of Boxing Control which was held at The posh Connaught Rooms. Also in attendance were future Hall of Famer Joe Calzaghe and heavyweight contender David Haye, as Bradley was honored for his win over Witter.

“This is like dream I don’t want to wake up from and it shows how honorable the Board is to name me fighter of the year after I beat one of the toughest English champions ever,” said Bradley. The other nominees where Andreas Kotelnik (Ukraine), Anyetei Laryea (Ghana), and Yuri Roma nov (Belarus).

And though Bradley is back on home soil after his mini world-tour, he will get back on a plane in December to take in the December 13th rubber match between Holt and Torres and scout what may be his next opponent.

“I can’t wait to see Holt and Torres’ third fight, and I’m even more excited about fighting the winner,” said Bradley. “This is a fight boxing needs, and the champions have to unify so the fans can know once and for all who the real champion is. I’m confident that I’m that man, and I’m ready to prove it against all comers.”