Wladimir Klitschko taunted David Haye in a video message earlier this year

Wladimir Klitschko will defend his IBF heavyweight title against Alexander Povetkin from Russia, delaying an expected bout with Briton David Haye.

Klitschko's management firm announced it would promote the fight, but did not confirm a date or location.

"I am very happy that we have won the bid and will promote the fight," said Klitschko on his firm's website.

In April, WBA champion Haye announced that he was in talks with Klitschko to stage a title fight.

The announcement came shortly after Klitschko, 34, had taunted Haye in a video message.

Haye has also said he wanted to fight Wladimir's older brother, WBC champion Vitali, in an attempt to unify belts.

But little has been heard of either of the proposed clashes since April.

And Wladimir Klitschko's decision to fight undefeated Povetkin, the IBF's number-one ranked challenger, means a fight with Haye is unlikely to happen until next year at the earliest.

Povetkin, 30, and Klitschko had arranged a fight in 2008, but it was called off after the Russian injured his ankle.

While Povetkin has won all 19 of his fights so far, Klitschko has registered 54 wins and three defeats.

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