Chelsea open to Haye title fight

Haye started his professional career back in 2002

Chelsea would welcome the chance to host a possible world heavyweight title fight between Britain's David Haye and one of the Klitschko brothers.

The Premier League club has been linked to the possible contest next summer, although no approach has been received.

"Stamford Bridge is one of the premier venues in London for both sporting and non-sporting events," a club spokesman told BBC Sport.

"It would be an honour to stage a global event such as this."

He continued: "The ability to host the fight here in the summer of 2009 would be subject to a number of conditions, primarily the protection of the playing surface and approvals with various local agencies and authorities."

Haye demolished the American Monte Barrett with a fifth round knockout at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night, to open up the possibility of a world title fight against either Vitali or Vladimir Klitschko.

606 DEBATE For people to suggest that he is ready for a shot at Klitschko now is absurd ThanksSirAlex

It was the 28-year-old Londoner's first fight since 2007 in the heavyweight division, having relinquished his cruiserweight belts earlier this year, and was watched ringside by Vitali himself.

While Haye's preferred opponent would be the IBF and WBO champion, Vladimir, the Klitschkos may put up the WBC champion, Vitali instead.

The only thing that could prevent that from happening is if Vitali gets his wish of a lucrative rematch against Lennox Lewis, but that would mean coaxing the former undisputed world heavyweight champion out of retirement.

Lewis beat Klitschko in controversial circumstances in his last bout before hanging up his gloves.