• Bermondsey fighter set to come out of retirement
• 'I think it's just embarrassing,' says Chisora
Dereck Chisora has labelled David Haye "embarrassing" and a "laughing stock" after the Bermondsey fighter stated he would return from retirement to fight either of the Klitschko brothers, who between them own all of the world heavyweight titles.
Haye lost his WBA belt to Wladimir Klitschko in July by a unanimous points decision and he later blamed the defeat on a broken little toe, a reaction that caused derision in some quarters of the boxing fraternity.
He retired in October vowing never to box professionally again but his advisers are in discussions with Vitali Klitschko's camp about potentially fighting him later in the year.
First, the elder Klitschko meets Chisora, who will attempt to take his WBC belt in Munich next month. Chisora believes Haye should abandon thoughts of a comeback. "Haye had his chance to back up all the pre-fight bull he came out with against Vladimir, but he put up that embarrassing performance and then topped it by blaming it on [an] injured little toe," he said.
"I can't see how the British public will forget about that and now he's coming out with the same bull again by saying that he will go to war and win his title back if he gets Vitali.
"I think it's just embarrassing; Wladimir made a laughing stock out of him and Vitali would knock him out. Haye should just stay retired and out of the sport. He had his time and failed on his biggest night. Now I'm going to go out there and show him how to fight a Klitschko.
"One thing's for sure, I won't be going into the ring like a scared rabbit like Haye did. I'm going to give it everything I've got to win the world title. It's a big job but I'm going out to Germany with the aim of ending the Klitschko reign of heavyweight boxing, starting with Vitali."
Chisora has twice previously been due to clash with Wladimir before the Ukrainian was injured on each occasion during the buildup.
Haye said this week regarding his proposed comeback: "My people are talking loosely with Vitali's people and they have shown a keen interest in a potential fight. I'm going to stay in shape if that call comes, and if it does come I will be heavyweight champion again. I've always trained to stay in shape and I train every day.
"If there is a fight that pops up – against Vitali or Wladimir – I'll be in shape and be ready to go to war and win back my old titles. It's down to Vitali. He seems very keen to knock me out. Not only to fight me, but to do what his brother Wladimir couldn't do and put me on the canvas. It depends on how much he wants to put me on the canvas."