Haye-Klitschko moves step closer

Wladimir holds three of the current world heavyweight belts, Vitali one and Haye the other.

A fight between the 30-year-old Londoner and one of the Ukrainians has been in the offing for a long time, with Haye having already withdrawn from a 2009 bout with Wladimir due to a back injury.

But, after Wladimir's fight with Dereck Chisora was called off 11 days ago owing to injury, Vitali says that his sibling is ready to do business with Haye, who has made no secret of his desire to unify the division by his 31st birthday next October – the day he will retire from the sport.

"Wladimir is ready to fight Haye. It is always Haye who comes up with the excuses," the elder Klitschko told the Golzka paper.

"Last year we had a signed contract and that wasn't enough. Haye has the last remaining title that doesn't belong to a Klitschko. There are no problems with us to make a fight with Haye."

Vitali had said last month that he wanted to fight Haye first, as he believed his brother would "kill" the Bermondsey man.

Haye's manager Adam Booth responded yesterday: "We are now perfectly positioned to get together and make this fight with Wladimir Klitschko.

"Despite the fact we know we bring more UK television money to the table, David and I are happy to split the entire pot 50-50 and grant Wladimir the deal he has wanted since day one.

"We have offered them 50-50 on everything – just as they requested – and now see no reason why this tremendous fight can't happen. The path is clear."

Booth added: "We have removed every possible excuse and have shown we are serious about making this fight become a reality. I'll smoke him out if I have to.

"I only pray Wladimir is as serious as we are, because this fight needs to happen for the good of the sport."