The Klitschkos' manager Bernd Boente revealed Haye and Wladimir had been close to agreeing an April date, but negotiations broke down at the final hurdle.

BBC: Dereck Chisora to fight Wladimir Klitschko on 30 April

The Lakers fell at the final hurdle last year when they were beaten 4-2 by the Boston Celtics in the finals, a loss which had an impact on all the players and provided inspiration for 2009's victorious run according to the 30-year-old shooting guard.

CNN: Lakers take NBA title with win over Magic

We always felt that if we played to our potential, it would take us places, but the one problem we have had is consistency and, at the final hurdle, we couldn't produce the kind of display that had put us in contention over the previous few days and weeks.

BBC: Russel Arnold's column