By Jeff Drecker

Heavyweight champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko issued a joint statement saying they are ready to fight Britain’s world champion David Haye in 2011.

Wladimir holds three of the current world heavyweight belts, Vitali one and 30-year-old Londoner Haye the other.

“We promise in 2011 the fight against Haye will come,” read the statement on the German newspaper Bild.

“We want this fight at all costs. He may choose which of us he wants to step into the ring to lose his world title.”

A fight between Haye and one of the Germany-based Ukrainians has been in the pipeline since Haye stepped up into the heavyweight division, with the Englishman having already withdrawn from a 2009 bout with Wladimir because of a back injury.

But, after Wladimir’s fight with Briton Dereck Chisora was called off 10 days ago because of a stomach injury, the showdown with Haye has once again risen to the top of the agenda, with the Klitschkos giving their clearest indication that an agreement is imminent.

Wladimir Klitschko lays down gauntlet

Vitali had said on Tuesday that his brother was ready to take on the Londoner, prompting Haye’s manager Adam Booth to respond: “We are now perfectly positioned to get together and make this fight with Wladimir Klitschko.

“Despite the fact we know we bring more UK television money to the table, David and I are happy to split the entire pot 50-50 and grant Wladimir the deal he has wanted since day one.

“We have offered them 50-50 on everything – just as they requested – and now see no reason why this tremendous fight can’t happen. The path is clear.”

Wladimir, the IBF, IBO and WBO champion, had been due to meet Haye in 2009 but the fight was called off after the Londoner suffered a back injury.

“I’m going to close my eyes and my Christmas wish is for Wladimir to sign on the dotted line,” Haye told Sky.

“Potentially we could have three unified champions in Britain [Haye, WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch and WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan] in 2011. If that could happen it could be one of the best eras ever [in British boxing], I don’t think that has ever happened before.”

Haye told the BBC last week he will not delay his planned retirement – on his 31st birthday next October – to realise his dream of fighting one of the Klitschkos.

Las Vegas has been mooted as a potential venue for the lucrative fight, while Wembley Stadium has been also suggested.