Boxing:Wladimir Klitschko has pulled out of his world heavyweight title defence against Dereck Chisora for the second time - fuelling speculation he is set to fight David Haye instead.
Ukrainian Klitschko had previously postponed a December defence of his IBF and WBO belts against Londoner Chisora through an abdominal injury and has done so again, citing an unsatisfactory recovery from the problem.
The news comes days after it emerged WBA champion Haye was back in talks over a July 2nd unification showdown.
Haye had previously doubted Klitschko's ability to fight Chisora on April 30 and then meet him barely two months later on July 2ndBoxing: Wladimir Klitschko has pulled out of his world heavyweight title defence against Dereck Chisora for the second time - fuelling speculation he is set to fight David Haye instead..
Unless Klitschko reschedules the Chisora fight for a third time - which seems unlikely - that issue appears to have been overcome, giving him plenty of time to get in shape for a huge showdown with long-time rival Haye providing the injury heals.
Announcing the cancellation of the Chisora fight in Mannheim, Germany, the 34-year-old said: "I am very sorry about cancelling the fight - especially for all fans in the already sold-out SAP arena in Mannheim.
"I have already fought there three times, 2006 I became world champion in this arena. However, I am optimistic that soon we'll have an event in Mannheim."
Whether Klitschko was hinting at a fight with Haye in Mannheim being close remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, his doctor, Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, claimed Klitschko could not train sufficiently due to the stomach muscle injury.
"Considering the current clinical picture, it is difficult to predict a precise time of rehabilitation," said Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt. "The start of a training camp at this time for a fight in April would be too much of a high risk."
Earlier this week, Haye confirmed talks had resumed with the Klitschkos - with Wladimir's brother Vitali also a target for the Englishman.