The former two-weight world champions return to the ring has been a long time coming, David Haye (26-2-KO24), announced his comeback fight against WBF World Heavyweight champion Mark “The Dominator” de Mori, in November 2015.
The fight will take place on 16 January 2016 at the O2 Arena in London. It will be Haye’s first fight in three and a half years, since stopping fellow Briton Derick Chisora in 2012.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, he said, “Three-and-a-half years out of the ring is a long time. I had injuries and operations but I’m fully fit now”.
His return to the heavyweight boxing couldn’t have come at a better time, following Wladimir Klitschko’s unanimous defeat at the hands of Tyson Fury; and with the likes of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte exploding on to the scene, the division is the most exciting it has been in years.
Since announcing his comeback, Haye has been linked to a number of potential opponents including, Malik Scott – a win over the American would give the Haye would put him back in the world rankings.
Fellow Brit Tony Bellew, has expressed interest in a potential fight. Since moving to cruiser from light-heavyweight, Bellew has proven he can mix with high-level opposition.
With plenty of fresh opponents and opportunities for the Haymaker, we can expect to see him in some great fights in 2016. The 35-year-old, now trained by Shane McGuigan, admits huge fights between Fury and Klitschko, Joshua and Whyte have given him the motivation to return to the ring where he intends to fulfil his potential.
“There are some great times ahead for boxing. So the heavyweight division is in a fantastic position. I have a lot left to give. ‘The Dominator’, Mark de Mori – he hasn’t lost in 11 years. Twenty-six of his 30 victories have come via knockout. It’s going to be an interesting test but one I’m looking forward to passing with flying colours.”
Haye admits that losing to Wladimir Klitschko back in 2011 is still troubling him, he told Sky Sports, “It’s unfinished business. I always wanted to unify the title,” he told Sky Sports News HQ. “I got my opportunity against Wladimir Klitschko and I don’t believe I fulfilled my potential that night. I believe I under-performed and I lost a points decision.
“I’ve finally got my shot. I’ve been put on the sidelines for many years, frustratingly looking in, and not been given the opportunity to fulfil my ambition to fight the big names and to become the heavyweight champion of the world.”
While Haye has to dust off the cobwebs, it will be intriguing to see if he still has the fast hands, power and movement to mix it up with the upper echelons of the Heavyweight division. If Haye can ensure he can come back quick, he could target a British showdown with Anthony Joshua – a fight that would gain the nation’s attention. It will take Haye a few ‘warm up’ fights before he can target a fully fit Joshua.
Although his larger than life personality in boxing hasn’t been affected, it has yet to been seen if he will still be the same force he once was.
– Emmily Simcock / @Emmily_Jane
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