David Haye Explains Contract Dispute that Derailed Klitschko Fights

WBA heavyweight titlist David Haye has detailed the contract impasse that ended his negotiations to fight Wladimir Klitschko.

In a viral video released today, Haye revealed that the contract dispute centered on how the TV money would be split. According to Haye, Wladimir Klitschko turned down two options. The first would be a 50-50 split of all revenue, including that of Haye’s UK TV rights and Wladimir’s TV deal with powerhouse German station RTL. The second was a deal where each fighter would keep 100% of the pot from their respective TV deals with the UK and RTL.

Haye claims that Wladimir Klitschko proved to be unreasonable and turned down both proposed deals.

“The fight isn’t happening because of that. I gave him two options and he flat-out refused,” Haye said. “He then signs to fight Samuel Peter, a guy that his brother smashed to pieces the other day and he’s beat already. And his brother signs to fight Shannon ‘who needs a asthma pump’ Briggs. So here we are today…I wanted to be fighting the Klitschkos but I’m not willing to submit to their crap.”

David Haye will announce his next opponent. At press time, the speculation is that he is in negotiations to face fellow UK fighter Audley Harrison.

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2010 has been a tiring year for fans with it comes to contract issues, but if what Haye says is true he has a valid point. If the TV contracts are that tight where Wladimir couldn’t split his share, then the proposal of each keeping their own TV rights is very fair and reasonable.

There are two sides to every story though so now the onus is on the Klitschkos to break down their version of what happened. Right now the plan is for Vitali Klitschko to revisit talks with Nikolai Valuev after the Briggs fight. But Valuev is out with extensive shoulder surgery until at least mid 2011, and may have to retire. Like it or not, a fight with David Haye is the best fight for the Klitschkos to take financially and competition-wise.

I am hopeful that 2011 is a year that ends all the posturing. It’s time we get to see the best fights instead of reading excuses why they aren’t happening.