By Jim Dower: The terms of changed for IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko if he wants to fight WBA heavyweight champion David Haye. If Wladimir wants to fight Haye now, Wladimir will likely have to accept a 50-50 deal, and not one that is slanted in Wladimr’s favor like the first time they attempted to fight. Haye, 29, now has a title, the World Boxing Association belt, and has defended it successfully one time in taking out veteran John Ruiz in the 9th round last weekend at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England. Haye was very impressive in that win showing great power in knocking Ruiz down four times in the fight.

Kallie Sauerland of Sauerland Events said, according to the Sun, said “David and the Klitschkos would now negotiate on a level playing field as they all hold world heavyweight titles. We will have to see if the Klitschkos accept that as they seem to have the attitude they should always get the bigger share. The thing first they have to realize is it will be 50-50. I also don’t see why the fight would have to take place in Germany either, as David could fill one of the big football stadiums in England. Any venue is decided by what makes the most financial sense.”

This will be interesting to see if Wladimir Klitschko and his brother Vitali would be willing to accept making a 50-50 deal with the younger, and much less experienced Haye. The Klitschko brothers might take it as an insult that they should accept 50-50 deal if they feel that Haye is still unproven. If Haye’s side is unwilling to given on purse split, this fight might not happen. It’s hard to imagine Wladimir or Vitali willing to accept not getting the bigger purse split.

And the location of the fight could also be a sticking point. Although Vitali has said that he would be open to fighting Haye in England, it would be a huge advantage for Haye if the fight does wind up taking place in the UK. If they put the Haye-Klitschko fight in a large football stadium, where in theory there could be as many 60,000 fans, it would be difficult for the Klitschkos. Unlike the German crowds, who are generally pretty quiet in comparison, the British fans are extremely loud and are good at motivating their fighters.

If the Klitschkos give Haye a 50-50 split, and then agree to fight him in England, it would be a big plus for Haye. I think the Klitschkos might not be willing to do this. Haye could say that he’s the more exciting fighter and point to the attention that he’s received recently with his win over Ruiz. But realistically, Haye still hasn’t beaten anyone that is a really dangerous at heavyweight.

This lack of experience could make it hard for him to get the deal that he wants from the Klitschkos. It would seem kind of early still for Haye to get a 50-50 deal based on a handful of wins over some decent but not really good heavyweights. Hopefully, Haye’s side is willing to give a little during negotiations because putting a fight together might prove impossible if Haye’s side tries to get parity with the Klitschkos.