Former heavyweight world champion David Haye looks set to come out of retirement to fight Vitali Klitschko in March 2012.

Speaking to the BBC’s Hardtalk programme he said, “I haven’t seen a contract but there’s definitely talks going on. I said before I retired I would love that fight and there’s a date in March that’s already been talked about.”

It was believed that Haye’s pay demands would be an obstacle to the bout but he revealed he was prepared to lower his requirements.

“The last bout was a 50/50. This time I don’t deserve that. I don’t have a title, but what I do bring is excitement and I bring a value – but I don’t believe it’s 50/50.” Whilst there is no guarantee the fight will happen things look encouraging and although Haye said it may not yet come off, he suggested he would be ready if it did.

“What I will do is make sure I am in good shape so if the fight for whatever reason does happen, if they give me what I believe I deserve and if the date for the TV networks all comes together, then it would be something I would seriously consider.”

The Londoner was comprehensively beaten by Vitali’s brother Wladimir in July before announcing his retirement in October. He always said he would retire before his 31st birthday, but appears to have been tempted back with talk of the fight. Such is the paucity of talent in the heavyweight division at present that his return is certain to attract global interest.

He claimed that a broken toe had hindered him in the first fight in which he was massively disappointing, but against the better of the Klitschko brothers there can surely be no excuses.

Posted: 30/11/11