DAVID HAYE should rebuild his career in America before targeting a clash with Vitali Klitschko, according to Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer.

Haye is reconsidering his retirement plans following his overwhelming points loss to Wladimir Klitschko in Hamburg on Saturday night.

Schaefer still believes the 30-year-old is the most exciting fighter in the heavyweight division even though he fell well short of expectations at the Imtech Arena.

“I was disappointed by David’s performance. He didn’t really try to win the fight, press the action or go for the knockout,” he said.

“I was surprised at how negative he was, but maybe it was the people around him who were negative as well and that filtered down to the fighter.

“I’ve read that he wants to retire, but if I was him I’d go for a couple of fights in the US against guys like Chris Arreola or Tomasz Adamek.

“He should get a couple of wins and then give it another go. He still has a future as a heavyweight because he’s still the most colourful guy in the division.

“Just because he had one disappointing performance, I don’t think it’s fair to judge him on that. I believe Haye still has unfinished business in the heavyweight division.

“He has the charisma, punch and will have learnt from that mistake. He’s still only 30, which for a heavyweight is young.”

Golden Boy, founded by Oscar De La Hoya, co-promoted the show in Hamburg but had advised Haye to fight Vitali, not Wladimir.

Vitali is generally perceived to be the more dangerous opponent, but Golden Boy felt he was better suited to Haye’s strengths.