Boxer David Haye may fight Wladimir Klitschko

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As Saturday’s dismantling of Hasim Rahman by Wladimir Klitschko showed, boxing’s heavyweight division needs a shot of charisma to break the monotony that Eastern Europe brothers Wladimir and Vitali have brought to the division.

Maybe the answer is Britain’s David Haye, who would have to move up from cruiserweight and counter criticism that his chin is suspect. He nevertheless stands poised to earn a fight against Wladimir in May, according to Haye’s co-promoter, Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions.

Haye told a British news agency this weekend that he expected to land a June fight against Vitali in London, but Schaefer said that deal ‘is not done’ and is complicated by the fact Vitali has to take on a mandatory challenger first.

‘But Wladimir is ready and willing, and it’d be easier to do,’ Schaefer said. ‘It certainly looks like David Haye will be fighting for a heavyweight championship, and that’s a good thing for boxing. He can move, punch [21 knockouts in 23 fights], and he’s exciting. England might have itself a coming heavyweight champion.’

Haye does provide charisma, which has been sorely lacking in the division. He came into the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao press center earlier this month wearing a cowboy hat and holding court with writers. Schaefer said he then watched Haye exit ‘with a group of women following him through the casino.’ Haye attended Klitscko-Rahman and called out the winner to fight him.

-- Lance Pugmire