SPORTS> Stars
Klitschko fight called off
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-05 09:56

BERLIN: The world heavyweight title fight between Ukraine's Vladimir Klitschko and David Haye on June 20 will not go ahead due to an injury sustained by the British challenger, Klitschko's management said on Wednesday.

"I am totally disappointed that the fight has been cancelled," Klitschko said in a statement. "I have been training for weeks, I am in top form and was looking forward to the evening.

"I do not want to disappoint the Schalke fans and will find a new opponent at such short notice," added the 33-year-old, who had been preparing in Austria for the fight.

The Ukrainian, who holds the IBF, WBO and IBO belts, was due to fight Haye at Bundesliga soccer club Schalke 04's stadium in front of an estimated 60,000 crowd. Over 40,000 tickets had already been sold with Klitschko proving to be hugely popular in Germany.

It was not clear what kind of injury Haye sustained or how soon he could be back fighting with Klitschko officials saying they were informed on Wednesday afternoon by the British fighter's camp.

Reuters