BERLIN, April 20 (Reuters) - Britain's WBA heavyweight champion and Ukraine's WBO, IBO and IBF champion Vladimir Klitschko have set their title fight for July 2 in Hamburg's football arena, Klitschko said on Wednesday.
"I am happy that Haye is finally coming into the ring. He has twice avoided a Klitschko fight in the past," Vladimir, whose brother Vitaly holds the WBC crown, said in a statement.
A Haye-Vladimir Klitschko clash has been on the cards for two years but twice the two sides failed to finalise a deal after disagreeing on how to split revenues.
Since the Klitschko brothers won’t fight each other, the Haye bout has long been considered the one that could establish them as undisputed champions with the pair having dominated the sport in recent years.
"We are all delighted that this mega-fight will go ahead. We estimate some 150 countries will show the fight live or taped. This duel is an absolute global sports highlight," said Klitschko management group CEO Bernd Boente.
Haye pulled out of a scheduled fight with Vladimir in 2009, citing an injury, although it was more likely a case of the two sides and their promoters failing to reach a deal.
A Haye-Vitaly Klitschko match also failed to materialise some months later.
