Haye confirms retirement

David Haye
12 April 2012

Former heavyweight champion of the world David Haye has announced his retirement.

Haye, who lost his WBA title to Wladimir Klitschko in July, has always said he would not fight beyond his 31st birthday - which is today (Thursday) - and followed up on that promise by confirming he has hung up his gloves.

"Today's date is October 13, 2011 and I've just turned 31 years of age," he said in a statement. "As the clock struck 12 last night my professional boxing career came to an end."

There were suggestions that Haye would fight WBC champion Vitali Klitschko next year, but the Londoner appears to have ruled that out.

"Vitali Klitschko did show an interest in sharing a ring with me in 2012," he said. "But since that initial declaration we have heard the wrong noises from Team Klitschko, which has left me thinking there is little chance of the fight ever coming to fruition."

Retirement announcements are treated with relative scepticism as many fighters then come back to fight again and when asked whether he would consider another big-money fight, Haye added: "I doubt it."

It has been suggested Haye has only made the announcement to encourage Vitali into the ring.

However, the claim by Vitali's manager, Bernd Boente, that Haye has been talking to the Klitchskos behind the scenes has been denied.

"If you look back over my interviews, I have always said this would be the date," Haye told Sky Sports News. "I said I wouldn't box into my 32nd year and I'm 31 now. That's it. I love boxing and training but you have to call it a day sooner or later.

"I'm healthy, in my prime and have no damage."

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