Tyson Fury’s blockbusting Battle of Britain with David Haye is ‘99 per cent’ done.
But the Wilmslow fighter admits he may have to win a coin toss to ensure his dream of the fight being held in Manchester becomes a reality.
The bout, which will be one of the biggest in the history of British heavyweight boxing, looks set to be held in September after weeks of talks between the two parties.
Fury met Haye’s manager and trainer Adam Booth at his cousin Hughie’s latest bout on Saturday, and revealed the deal for the fight is almost done.
“I have very, very exciting news,” Fury said. “I was minding my own business over there and I bumped into Adam Booth, so we got him on camera and we asked him: ‘Why is the David Haye fight not being done?’ and he said: ‘Do you want the fight?’ so I said: ‘Two million percent. The ball is in your court so call me tomorrow morning.’
“He said: ‘I can’t see why this fight cannot be done’.
“So there it is from the horse’s mouth. Adam Booth says he wants this fight. The fight is 99 per cent baby!
“If it doesn’t get made now it’s because they don’t want it. I want this fight more than anything else in life.
“It’s the biggest fight and it make sense.”
Haye, 32, came out of retirement to defeat Dereck Chisora at Upton Park last July and, despite having to postpone his recent bout against Germany’s Manuel Charr due to a hand injury, has made no secret of his mission to beat either Wladimir – who beat him on points in 2011 – or Vitali Klitschko before hanging up his gloves.
Victory over Fury could well set him up for a crack at one of the brothers.
Fury told M.E.N. Sport in April that he wants to fight Haye at Old Trafford, but is confident he can beat the former WBA champion anywhere.
“It’s going to be a great fight. I hate the guy and want to shut him up and put an end to that mouth of his,” said 26-year-old Fury, who is unbeaten in 21 fights.
“I’d love it to happen in Manchester but we might flip a coin to see where it happens.
“I can beat David Haye because I’m the greatest fighter that’s ever lived; that’s ever stepped out of Britain.”
And Fury also revealed he has a three-fight plan which will first see him crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, but also result in Stockport’s Hughie becoming the youngest world heavyweight champion in history.
The 18-year-old extended his unbeaten record to five with a first-round knockout of Ladislav Kovarik on Saturday, and faces Tomas Mrazek this weekend.
And he believes he is on track to top Mike Tyson, who was 20 years and five months when he destroyed Trevor Berbick in two rounds in 1986, by winning a version of the title before Christmas 2014.
“I have got plenty of time and I am improving every single fight, but I will do it,” said Fury jnr. “I will beat Mike Tyson’s record and be the youngest heavyweight world champion.”
And his cousin has worked out a way of helping Hughie fulfil his ambition.
“My plan is to knock out Haye, then Klitschko, Klitschko,” said Tyson.
“Then vacate a title for my younger cousin Hughie Fury to beat Mike Tyson’s record to become youngest ever heavyweight champion.
“Like the Klitschkos, we will never fight each other.
“We spar against each other and fight all the time, but he is too good for me!”
