Boxing: Klitschko hits back at Haye

"This sport is very intense and unfortunately people have been handicapped and have died"

HAMBURG: Wladimir Klitschko has called David Haye’s pre-fight goading “disgraceful and disrespectful” ahead of their heavyweight title fight. The Ukrainian was angered by Haye’s comments about executions, decapitations and ambulances. “This sport is very intense and unfortunately there have been cases where people have been handicapped and have died during and after fights,” said Klitschko. “It’s not something to joke about.” Britain’s Haye had also refused Wladimir’s handshake every time it has been offered, creating further bad feeling between the two.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2011.