As with many boxers, rock bands, etc..........when they initially say they are gonna retire, they may actually mean it, at that particular time..... But give them time out of the spotlight, and let them miss the fame and money and ego stroking, and many come back.............And you KNOW Haye will only temporarily retire, being that he's only 31 and just in the midst of his phisical prime and money making years. I doubt ANYone believes he'll retire for good.............8 to 12 months, max, and he'll be back at it....
Povetkin or Chagaev are decent paydays he obviously feels he can win. And I'd agree. I dont see how he has done "damage" to the heavyweight division though. ??? His competition at heavyweight has been no worse than either Klitschkos. That is, after all, why the biggest fight out there is Haye vs Klitschko.