Haye makes heavyweight ring return in De Mori match-up
Published:
Lee Gormley | January 15, 2016
David Haye v Mark de Mori
- WBC world heavyweight title fight
- Saturday, January 16th
- Scheduled for: 22:00 GMT
- The O2 Arena, London
- Live on Dave
Haye makes ring return against De Mori
Britain’s David Haye makes his return to the ring in a heavyweight showdown with Australian challenger Mark de Mori at the O2 Arena in London this weekend, as he aims to once again earn world title success further down the line.
It’s been three-and-a-half years since Haye (26-2, 24 KOs) last graced the canvas, downing compatriot Dereck Chisora at Upton Park, with a severe shoulder injury later shelving his mooted contest with Tyson Fury for a second time, before being advised to retire.
‘The Hayemaker’ endured a five-hour shoulder reconstruction operation during his break from the sport but now returns in a bid to reclaim past glories, starting with a comeback clash against De Mori (30-1-2, 26 KOs), which he is 13/8 with Coral to end early in rounds 4-6.
‘Hayemaker’ out to avoid hard-luck stories
On many occasions, retired fighters have been unable to stay away from the ring for good, with many high-profile names seeing their unwillingness to end already illustrious careers backfiring drastically.
Roy Jones Jr is a prime example of such a tainted desire, having been devastatingly stopped by Enzo Maccarinelli last year, but Haye is out to emulate those who have succeeded, such as greats Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, while avoiding any further hard-luck stories.
“Boxing is littered with hard-luck stories,” stated Haye, who is 9/1 to face a stunning loss to De Mori. “I’ve looked at plenty of boxers in the past and thought: ‘Why is this guy coming back?’
“Roy Jones is my hero, one of the greatest fighters of all time. He’s still got that determination and drive but he’s in his mid-40s, he’s got no business being in the ring with young, hungry fighters.
“It’s a shame when fighters take it too far. But I haven’t taken a beating for 12 years. I’m still fresh as a daisy.”
Briton targeting heavyweight unification
Despite the odds being completely stacked against him, Haye is still seeking to unify the heavyweight division, but he faces a long and daunting journey. Current WBC belt holder Deontay Wilder is also in action this weekend and could be a future opponent, while fellow countryman Fury has previously ruled out giving Haye an opportunity for his WBA and WBO titles.
“From the age of 10 I said I was going to retire when I was 30 and before my 31st birthday I had the big unification fight with Wladimir Klitschko,” continued Haye.
“I want an opportunity to do what I didn’t quite get the chance to do last time, which is to unify all the heavyweight belts.
“It’s been very frustrating sitting on the sidelines. I always had that burning desire to regain the heavyweight championship of the world. I’ve got a lot more to give.”
Just winning isn’t enough for Haye
With a possible all-British meeting with rising star Anthony Joshua potentially on the cards in the near future, among other targeted bouts, Haye believes winning simply isn’t enough against De Mori, as he targets a devastating comeback.
“Just winning against De Mori isn’t enough, I’ve got to win, look good and send shockwaves around the world,” added ‘the Hayemaker’, who is 6/1 for a first round stoppage victory.
“I watch Fury, Klitschko, Joshua, Wilder and I don’t think any of them are better than me. I bring something serious.
“It would have been nicer if there was just one person who had all the belts. But I’ll have to do it slowly and surely instead, have a nice run to get people excited and pick up all the belts.”
During a weekend when dominant American Wilder makes the third defence of his WBC title, Haye will look to make sure the spotlight is solely on him and steal the headlines with a huge heavyweight statement against De Mori on his return.
Related
Read our boxing archive.
Coral’s top tip: Back David Haye to stop Mark de Mori within rounds 4-6 at 13/8.
See who else is in action this weekend.
