David Haye is tempted to return for a fight against Vitali Klitschko

David Haye has stated publicly for the first time that he could come out of retirement to fight Vitali Klitschko, the WBC heavyweight champion, possibly in March of next year, in news that will not be a surprise to the boxing world. Haye is prepared to drop his pay demands to ensure the contest happens. Haye, the former WBA heavyweight title holder, said he was discussing a possible comeback after previously stating he would not box on beyond his 31st birthday, which was in October. But Haye's ability to stay permanently out of the ring has always appeared in question after his final bout was the disappointing 12-round loss of his crown to Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali's brother on 2 July. "I haven't seen a contract but there's definitely talks going on," he told the BBC's Hardtalk. "I said before I retired I would love that fight and there's a date in March that's already been talked about. I said I'd want to fight Vitali, the big brother of Wladimir, who beat me in my last fight. They're the only guys I'd consider coming out of retirement for. Whether it happens or not I don't know. What I will do is make sure I am in good shape so if the fight for whatever reason does happen, if they give me what I believe I deserve and if the date for the TV networks all comes together, then it would be something I would seriously consider." Regarding his potential purse, Haye said: "The last bout was a 50‑50. This time I don't deserve that. I don't have a title, but what I do bring is excitement and I bring a value – but I don't believe it's 50‑50." Haye won the WBA version of the heavyweight championship by beating Nikolay Valuev on points in Germany in November 2009, and defended his title by stopping John Ruiz the following April. His only other defence came against fellow Briton Audley Harrison last November. Haye's claim that his loss to Wladimir Klitschko was due to a broken toe was met with criticism by some experts; a comeback would allow him a chance to repair his reputation.