Saturday 28 May 2016 08:02, UK
David Haye will not be on the shortlist for Deontay Wilder's next fight, says the WBC champion's promoter Lou DiBella.
Wilder saw his mandatory world heavyweight title defence against Alexander Povetkin fall through due to the challenger's failed drugs test so the WBC have granted him the right to select his next opponent.
DiBella has "slim pickings" for a summer fight, but No 8-ranked contender Haye will not be contemplated.
David is likely, in the next year, to fight for a heavyweight title - I just don't think it's happening in the next eight weeks.
"I don't see him as a potential opponent in a fight that's being thrown together in this situation," DiBella exclusively told Sky Sports.
"I knew he made a comeback but the quality of his recent competition hasn't been very good.
"I saw his last fight which was difficult to watch. [Haye vs Wilder] isn't the kind of fight that would happen on a very quick turn-around at short-notice.
"It's not a matter of me saying he's not suitable. David is likely, in the next year, to fight for a heavyweight title - I just don't think it's happening in the next eight weeks."
Wilder has already beaten No 2-ranked Bermane Stiverne, while No 6 Joseph Parker defeated No 5 Carlos Takam and is prioritising the IBF route to a world title.
DiBella admits he has found difficulties arranging a short-notice title defence but commended Gerald Washington's decision to cut short a holiday - the American heavyweight had told Sky Sports there was a "very good possibility" of receiving a call-up.
DiBella said: "It's slim pickings, frankly. The heavyweight division is very strong at the top but it can't be one of those fights at the moment, obviously.
"There's not really much else in the remainder of the division and he's fought a good number of them. We're considering a number of options but it's got to be someone suitable for the US.
"[Washington] is certainly the type of the guy that would be on the list - he's rated, he's an American, he's a big guy with an undefeated record. But there's no decision that's been made, and it's not certain to be Gerald.
"But I can understand why Gerald has returned from holiday - a shot at the heavyweight title is the pinnacle, it's the mountain top. He's one of the names we're kicking around."
