×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Klitschko out to silence loudmouth Haye

LONDON - Vladimir Klitschko plans to punish David Haye after the British fighter posed with a wax mock-up of the heavyweight world champion's severed head for a magazine photo-shoot ahead of their June clash in Germany.

LONDON - Vladimir Klitschko plans to punish David Haye after the British fighter posed with a wax mock-up of the heavyweight world champion's severed head for a magazine photo-shoot ahead of their June clash in Germany.

The Ukrainian will put his IBF, WBO and IBO belts on the line at the home of German football club Schalke on June 20 and was clearly irritated by Haye's provocative behaviour as the pair faced each other at a news conference in London on Monday.

Haye, who became undisputed world cruiserweight champion last year by knocking out Enzo Maccarinelli, arrived wearing a T-shirt depicting himself holding the heads of Klitschko and his brother Vitali, the WBC heavyweight champion, and began firing insults at the 33-year-old.

"He provoked me by cutting my head off and posturing in the magazine," Klitschko said. "Pretty provoking. You know what? I chose David Haye, David Haye did not choose me.

"I have had three title defences and I took this boy. I see David Haye with a [T-shirt showing the] cut head of my brother. So I am asking what is going to be next? Are you going to cut my dad's head or my mother's head? Other family members? Maybe you will attack my religion, my race?" added Klitschko, who has held a version of the heavyweight title for 10 years.

Asked if the T-shirt had overstepped the mark, Haye, a rookie at the weight after stepping up from the cruiserweight division, said: "As long as people remember me as the best fighter in the world with bad taste I don't care." - Reuters

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.