Skip to content

David Haye does not expect to be granted a WBA world title shot

David Haye celebrates victory over Arnold Gjergjaj at The O2 Arena
Image: David Haye does not expect to receive a world title shot from the WBA

David Haye has played down his chances of being granted a world title shot by the WBA as he waits for a ruling by the organisation on its vacant heavyweight titles.

IBF champion Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko had submitted requests to contest one of the belts, but their planned fight has been postponed until next year.

The WBA has suggested an announcement will be made imminently about its 'super' and 'regular' belts after a "difficult" decision-making process, which began last week.   

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko
Image: Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko had staked their claims for one of the WBA belts

Lucas Browne is expected to challenge for one of the belts after a legal settlement with the WBA, but Haye, listed at No 6 in the rankings, is not optimistic about receiving a world title fight.   

"Unfortunately boxing doesn't work like that, with who I want to fight," Haye told IFLTV. "The other person has to want to fight, the governing body has to want me to fight, and there are a lot of people with legal claims that they should get the next shot.

I'm not sure they are going to do a rejig of the rankings, I've got no clue, but whatever the decision is, we'll all take it from there.
David Haye

"There's rankings - I'm not ranked that high. You've probably got about five fighters ranked above me. For me to jump in and do that, I would love that to happen. I'm not sure they are going to do a rejig of the rankings, I've got no clue, but whatever the decision is, we'll all take it from there.

"I'm not that fussed, regardless of what happens, regardless of what decisions they make, it will all be for the greater good, whatever it is. [In] 2017 I will be heavyweight champion again, I know it."      

Also See:

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28:  Lucas Browne of Australia celebrates after he defeated James Toney of the USA in the WBC Super Heavyweight bout between L
Image: Lucas Browne is likely to be involved in the WBA's plans

Browne was ordered to fight Fres Oquendo for the WBA 'regular' title earlier this year but the fight has failed to materialise and 'Big Daddy' is also eagerly awaiting the announcement.

He tweeted: "So now that Klitschko is out injured, the question still remains for myself: Who, when, where and for the WBA regular or the WBA super title?"

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn explains to Sky Sports News why the heavyweight world title fight with Wladimir Klitschko is off for now

The Australian was stripped of the WBA 'regular' belt after failing a drug test following his stoppage win over Ruslan Chagaev, while Tyson Fury opted to vacate the 'super' title earlier this month. 

Around Sky