Haye to take on Russian heavyweight boxer Valuev

Former world cruiserweight champion David Haye will face current WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev later this year, the British fighter confirmed on Thursday.

Haye, 28, has signed a contract to meet the 7ft 2in Russian on November 7 at an undecided venue.

The announcement ends speculation about who Haye's next opponent would be, following reports the Londoner had agreed a bout with Vitali Klitschko.

Haye had been scheduled to fight Klitschko's brother Wladimir in June but had to withdraw because of a back injury.

"I am thrilled to announce that my dream of becoming world heavyweight champion will be realised on November 7, when I challenge the tallest and heaviest champion of all time, Nikolai Valuev," Haye said in a statement.

"There were reports in the German press that I had signed to fight Vitali Klitschko in September, but those reports were never true.

"There have been long and exhausting discussions about the clash, but unfortunately I could never put my name to the fight contract the Klitschkos offered. The level of disrespect they have shown me throughout has left me feeling insulted."