Michael Rosenthal

Report: W. Klitschko says he and Haye are near deal to fight on July 2

Wladimir Klitschko told reporters in Ukriane that he and David Haye are extremely close on a deal to fight on July 2 in Europe, according to boxingscene.com.

The two heavyweights, who hold three of the four major belts, have had negotiations break off in the past.

“A contract is not signed yet but the talks with Haye are at a stage where they have never been before,” Klitschko said. “In the end, all four of the belts will be ours. A duel can take place anywhere except America. We are two boxers who are from Europe, and this fight might not be interesting for the United States.

“The breakdown of money will be 50-50. This is not a concession to one party. In this compromise, the concessions are going both ways.”

Klitschko (55-3, 49 knockouts) is scheduled to face Dereck Chisora (14-0, 9 KOs) on April 30 in Germany.

Vitali Klitschko (41-2, 38 KOs), who has the fourth major belt, faces Odlanier Solis (17-0, 12 KOs) on March 19.

The Klitschkos agreed that one of them will fight Tomasz Adamek in September. One report said that Wladimir would take on the Pole if he can’t come to terms with Haye. If he does fight Haye, then Vitali presumably would face Adamek.

Haye (25-1, 23 KOs) has no fight scheduled.

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