By John F. McKenna (McJack): Former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye (25-2, 23 KO’s) is leaving the door cracked open just a bit, when it comes to a possible return to the ring. “The Hayemaker” announced to the world on his 31st birthday on October 13 that he was hanging up his boxing gloves to pursue a possible acting career.

Haye had maintained all along that he would retire upon his 31st birthday and he made good on his promise, at least for the time being. David’s retirement date over the past couple of years was predicated upon him defeating heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko (56-3, 49 KO’s) in a title unification fight.

Unfortunately for Haye, things did not quite go as he had planned. His performance in July against the 6’6”, 245 pound Klitscko was underwhelming at best. The pattern of the fight was that round after round “Dr. Steelhammer” would move forward behind his long left jab. Whenever Vladimir was in range to do any damage “The Hayemaker” would flop to the canvas.

Haye’s refusal to engage Klitschko resulted in the highly hyped fight being dull and boring to watch. It was particularly ironic because Haye had always accused the Klitschko’s of being boring. After the fight David proceeded to unwittingly humiliate himself by taking off his shoe to show an injured pinky toe, as if that were the reason he lost.

It became unclear after his loss whether or not Haye was going to stick to his October 13 retirement date, or if he was going to attempt to redeem himself by continuing to fight past his 31st birthday.

In September Haye indicated that he would be willing to fight WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO’s) after Vladimir made it clear that he would not give Haye a rematch. Haye however went through with his retirement announcement on October 13.

When Haye released his autobiography last week he told “Press Association Sport” that “The book leaves it open a little,” with regard to his coming out of retirement.

Haye also openly admits in the book that he has simply “retired from fighting anyone without the Klitschko surname.”

Just days before Haye went through with his retirement Vitali Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente reported that he was in constant communication with the Haye camp regarding a possible future fight between Vitali and David.

The Haye retirement may be a ploy to negotiate a higher percentage for David, who knows that Vitali would really like to fight him. With “The Hayemaker” leaving the door ajar it may be that he doesn’t want Klitschko to stray too far away and pursue a fight with another contender, thereby jeopardizing his own big money fight with Vitali.

If a David Haye – Vitali Klitschko fight ever comes to pass, a likely venue would be Wembley Stadium next summer. David could still be sold in England and what better way for “Dr. Ironfist” to close out his brilliant career than by “sending Haye to the floor” at Wembley?