By John F. McKenna (McJack): Former cruiserweight and WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (26-2, 24 KO’s) has returned with a vengeance as a nemesis for WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO’s). “The Hayemaker” was discredited to a large degree last July after his humiliating decision loss to Vitali’s brother WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (58-3, 51 KO’s).

The loss was made more humiliating by Haye himself when immediately after the fight he blamed the loss on an injured little toe.

Haye went on to retire as he had promised last October upon reaching his 31st birthday. He left the door ajar however for a possible return if he could land a fight with one of the Klitschko’s. Wladimir promptly said he was not interested in a rematch with Haye, leaving the door open for a fight with “Dr. Ironfist”. Vitali then took on Derek Chisora (15-4, 9 KO’s) last February. Chisora gave Vitali a harder than expected fight partially because of a shoulder injury Klitschko suffered early in the contest.

Then things got interesting. Haye, Chisora and their entourages became embroiled in their infamous brawl. Video of the brawl went viral and sparked interest in a match between the two fighters.

“The Hayemaker” decisively and impressively TKO’d Chisora in the 5th round last Saturday night. Haye to some extent feels vindicated by his performance and points out that he accomplished what Vitali was unable to do, that being stopping Chisora. Vitali was unable to rock “Del-Boy” although he hit him with numerous right hands during their twelve round match.

Vitali is now in the position of being challenged by a legitimate fighter. Many boxing observers feel that even a healthy “Dr. Ironfist” would have a difficult time against the younger, faster and explosive punching Haye.

Klitschko manager Bernd Boente had promised after the brawl that if a fight could be arranged between Haye and Chisora, Vitali would fight the winner. Perhaps Boente never thought the match between Haye and Chisora would come to fruition. But several months later the stark reality is that Haye is now the fighter most boxing fans want to see Vitali face.

Boente is now in the position of seemingly making excuses as to why Vitali cannot fight Haye. Klitschko is scheduled to fight the unknown and untested Manuel Charr (21-0, 11 KO’s) in Moscow on September 8. HBO has decided to air the fight on tape delay.

It is difficult for this writer to fathom that Vitali would close out his career without facing his number one nemesis David Haye. It would be tantamount to ceding the bragging rights to Haye who now claims that Vitali is avoiding him. It is likely that even Vitali’s most ardent fans want to see him “send Haye to the floor” as he puts it.