David Haye to face Charr and Fury before Klitschko showdown

Despite a hand injury ruling David Haye out of his bout with Germany’s Manuel Charr, the future looks mapped out for the British heavyweight.

While the rumour mill went into overdrive following the Haye pull out – with many believing a fight with Vitali Klitschko had been hastily arranged – Haye’s trainer Adam Booth has assured fight fans that when his man next steps into the ring it will be against the previously-scheduled opponent.

And, while Charr’s only defeat so far has come against Vitali Klitschko, Haye is expected to make light work of the German.

Should the fight be rescheduled as expected, then Ladbrokes make the Hayemaker the overwhelming 1/10 favourite, while Charr, who has 13 KOs from his 23 wins, is priced as the 6/1 outsider.

If Haye avoids an upset against 28-year-old Charr, then expectation is rising that he will face Tyson Fury in a “Battle of Britain” encounter before the end of the year.

Fury has long called for a chance to show his worth against someone of Haye’s calibre and it seems his time may finally have come.

A deal is far from done for a fight against the unbeaten 24-year-old, but reports on Thursday morning suggest both camps are interested in making the fight.

Fury has 15 KOs from his 21 wins, and while Derek Chisora is arguably the only stand-out name on his resume, many expect the 6ft 9” Mancunian to give Haye a sterner test.

Fury’s defensive skills are arguably his strongest asset and Haye could find the big man difficult to hit. As such, while Haye is still the favourite at 2/9, many could be tempted by the 3/1 offered on Fury emerging victorious and ending Haye’s career.

Finally, if Haye can emerge unscathed from these two bouts, the Bermondsey-based star could be given another crack at a world title against Vitali Klitschko.

There are many obstacles standing in the way of a Haye v Klitschko bout – not least the latter’s advancing years and political aspirations – but should it go ahead and Haye claims the strap, he will surely go down as one of Britain’s best ever heavyweight champions.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.